Outstanding results for second batch of IBDP students at Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah

1. All 16 students from Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah have been conferred a Bilingual Diploma¹ in the International Baccalaureate Programme. The highest point achieved was 45 points (out of a total of 45 points). The average points attained by the school is 39.69 points. This is higher than the average global scores which is 32.39. Among this year’s top students are Tasneem Binte Jamaludeen and Hakeem Bin Samsuri, who scored 45 and 44 points respectively.

2. The International Baccalaureate Organisation released the results of the 2021 International Baccalaureate Diploma Programmes examinations on 2 Jan 2022. 16 students, which comprise the second batch of students offered to take the IBDP, sat for the exams in May and November 2021².

3. Madrasah Aljunied is the only Madrasah conferred the IB World School status in the world. The IBDP qualification, in addition to the Aliyah Diploma conferred to the students, would increase their opportunities to continue their education to both traditional Islamic universities and other tertiary institutions that accept IB Diploma as an entrance criteria.

IBDP at Madrasah Aljunied

4. MUIS together with Madrasah Aljunied introduced the revised Islamic studies curriculum in 2015 for the first batch of Joint Madrasah Scheme (JMS) secondary level students at Madrasah Aljunied. It included the integration of 18 individual subjects into integrated Islamic studies subjects³, additional O level subjects, new elective programmes and the introduction of the IBDP to the Aliyah programme. These initiatives and changes in the curriculum would better equip the students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and values for their journey towards being future religious leaders and scholars.

5. To strengthen the Pre-University level programme offered at Madrasah Aljunied, the revised Islamic studies curriculum infused the learning of contemporary and emerging issues affecting the Muslim community locally in Singapore, regionally and globally. This is to equip the students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills to apply what they have learnt in the classrooms to real-world issues and problems. In addition to enhancing the teaching and learning of the IS subjects, it would also introduce an additional, external qualification at the Pre-University level and provide a more holistic learning experience for the students.

6. The IBDP was adopted as it provides students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to be active and effective learners in the 21st century. The learning experience, training, exposure, research, and investigation rigour as well as community service activities and engagements not only prepare students for university life but also the necessary thinking skills and perspectives which are critical for future religious scholars and leaders. The IBDP thus complements the school-based Islamic Studies curriculum, as it provides students with the opportunity to explore religious topics and issues from a wider lens and perspective⁴.

7. Together with the Aliyah Diploma conferred to the students, the IBDP qualification would increase their opportunities to continue their education to both traditional Islamic universities and other tertiary institutions that accept IB Diploma as an entrance criteria. This is particularly for programmes related to the social sciences and others that would complement the Islamic studies learning that they have received from the madrasah, in line with the recommendations made in the COFA report.

8. Madrasah Aljunied became an IB candidate school in September 2016 and was authorized to be an IB World School and conduct the IBDP in October 2018. A total of 12 teachers were selected and trained to teach the IBDP. In addition, 2 IB trained teachers were also deployed to further strengthen the implementation of the programme at the Madrasah.

9. The subjects that have been offered to students include Malay Language A, Arabic Language B, English Language B, Global Politics, Environmental Systems and Societies, Chemistry, Maths Studies and Mathematics in addition to the 3 IB core components⁵. These subjects were selected as they complemented the Islamic Studies subjects.

10. Madrasah Aljunied released the results to the students at the school at 3.30 pm today. Due to COVID-19 situation, parents were invited to join the students online via Zoom.

Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura

¹A Bilingual Diploma is awarded to candidates who fullfil one or more of the following criteria:

• complete and receive a grade 3 or higher in two languages selected from the DP course studies in language and literature

• complete one of the subjects from the individuals and societies, or sciences subject groups in a language that is not the same as the candidate's nominated studies in language and literature language

• attain a grade 3 or higher in both the studies in language and literature language and the subject from individuals and societies, or sciences subject groups

² 2 papers were taken during May exam period: Arabic Language B and Malay Language A, while the remaining 7 papers were taken in November.

³ Fiqh Studies, Aqidah Studies, Hadith Sciences, Quranic Sciences, Arabic Language, Islam & Society and Islamic History.

⁴ For example, the subject Theory of Knowledge (TOK) requires students to inquire and conduct purposeful study into different ways of knowing which includes faith, reason and emotion, etc, and different kinds of knowledge such as religious knowledge, ethics and human sciences, amongst many others. Such learning experiences would further strengthen their understanding, deepen their insights and provide a religious perspective into the issues investigated.

⁵ Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).