Ramadan Kareem

Prayer

The main hall is available daily for prayer during break times. Likewise, the library is available for those wishing to sit in a quieter space, perhaps using lunchtimes to revise, read or work. It is expected that Dhuhr prayers take place during second break (between 1.25-2.00pm) and not during timetabled lessons. School prayer mats are available for use. Our open plan sinks may be used for ablution and we ask that pupils are mindful of water spillages which may cause a slip hazard. A number of accessible toilets are available in the main corridor for those wishing to wash alone in private. Pupils are welcome to remain in school after 3.00pm for 'Asr prayer if they wish.

Evening activities

The school recognises that, during Ramadan, the evenings can be a very busy period for Muslim families. We have planned carefully to minimise after school activities over the next few weeks. The Year 10 Progress Evening takes places digitally between 3.30-6.30pm on 11 March 2025 and all revision workshops finish by 4.15pm.

Fasting and physical education

As pupils observe Ramadan, it is important they can be as fit and healthy as possible. However, fasting presents a challenge for children in school, especially when it comes to physical education. Parents and carers are encouraged to continue to educate their children about the importance of adequate sleep quantity and quality, diet and hydration.

We expect that pupils will continue to participate in PE lessons during Ramadan but our teachers will sensitively lower activity levels and monitor the wellbeing children. If a fasting pupil wishes to take some time out from activity, or take a break, they simply need to let their teacher know. Everybody responds differently to fasting, so we’ll take a person-centred approach to providing support.

Examinations during Ramadan

Every effort has been made to ensure that non-examined assessments take place either side of Ramadan. There are a small number of assessments which cannot be rescheduled (as dates are set externally). Staff will be particularly attuned to fasting children in such cases and provide as much comfort and support as possible.

School Iftar

The annual school Iftar will take place on 18 March 2025. Further details will follow.

Religious observance and school attendance

St Teilo's rejoices in its commitment to ecumenism and inter-faith understanding. As we seek to grow closer to people of all faiths and none through worship and service to the community, we thank God for the special gifts we have to offer one another.

The school will consider all applications made by parents or carers for their child to receive an authorised absence of one school day for religious observance. Requests will be treated with sensitivity and considered carefully and fairly.

Absences will only be authorised for a date 'exclusively set apart by a religious body' and time will not be authorised in lieu should such a date fall on a weekend or during a school holiday.

The school recognises that within some religious traditions, observance varies between different denominations and communities. Our decision making will be as person-centred as possible as and it will be our assumption that requests are genuine and reasonable.

For Muslims, in particular, the school accepts that families may rely on different authorities for the announcement of the start and end of Ramadan. Likewise, it is acknowledged that the moon-sighting preceding Eid means that families will only be able to request leave at short notice. If you wish to request a day of leave to celebrate Eid ul Fitr 2025, please do so by completing our online form in the usual way.

Inter-faith cooperation

As always, we will use the Holy Month of Ramadan as a teaching opportunity and to promote inter-faith understanding. Our worship theme for the Week commencing 17 March 2025 is 'fasting' and, in the week commencing 24 March 2025, 'charitable giving'.