Ofsted stated segregation in a Birmingham Islamic faith school left girls 'unprepared for life in modern Britain'. On which research did Ofsted's Amanda Spielman make this statement?
Let me inform Amanda I have spent some of my education in segregated schools as I am an immigrant. I am now a secondary school science teacher who covers her head in accordance with her religion. I organise numerous activities whilst being part of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women's Association, UK. Only yesterday I organised an event involving raising awareness of the poppy appeal in allegiance with the Royal British Legion. Last year I organised a charity walk raising money for the 'War Child' charity. Visiting sick children in hospitals and giving them presents at the occasion of Christmas is a regular occurrence. Most women who are part of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women's Association help out in such events throughout the country. We as a community are guided by our spiritual leader, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, who regularly reminds us of the true teachings of Islam which are devoid of violence and extremism.
Am I not upholding British values? Do I look like I am "unprepared for life in modern Britain"? Of course not!
I immigrated to England because I was not allowed to practice my religion freely in Pakistan. After my immigration, I call England my home. I love England. It gives me so much security and allows me to practice my own religion without any fear. My beautiful religion Islam teaches exactly this, to love my country and remain loyal to my country.
Islamic values are not very different from British values. As a teacher I try my utmost to ensure my pupils gain British values and become good citizens of the UK. Mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths is part of the British values. I myself encourage mutual respect in my pupils as is expected of teachers. Islam is not different from British values. Islam tolerates and allows everyone to practice their own religion without fear.
Surely the whole point of a faith school is for children to grow up in an environment which adheres to their religion. I understand sex discrimination is an important law and when exercised appropriately is a necessity to ensure men and women are treated equally. The faith school stated boys and girls were treated equally despite being segregated. Segregation does not hinder education, so why should schools be given lower Ofsted ratings if they chose to segregate pupils? Segregation certainly didn't hinder my education. I am a qualified science teacher with a Masters in education, planning on completing a doctorate in education.
Let me tell you I feel so comfortable when I am in a separate ladies area at my mosque. Yet I have fully integrated within the British society. It is possible to do both!