Shia Islamic Education in Dublin
City of Knowledge Saturday Evening School
A structured Shia Islamic programme for children aged 5 to 12, providing age-appropriate learning in Arabic, Munasabat and Islamic Studies through the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the Ahlul-Bait (AS).
Online registration opens on 8th July 2026.
The Story Behind City of Knowledge
Our Story
City of Knowledge began as a small Arabic class founded by Zaid and Abo Mahdi (Ustadh Yassin), with the aim of giving children in the community a regular opportunity to learn and develop their Arabic.
As the number of children grew, so did the programme. With the support of teachers, volunteers and families, the original Arabic class gradually developed into a structured Saturday evening school.
Although the programme has grown, its purpose remains the same: to provide children with a welcoming place where they can learn, ask questions and build a lasting connection with their faith and community.
A small community class focused on helping children develop their Arabic.
Arabic Language
Developing reading, writing and vocabulary at a level suited to each child.
Munasabat
Connecting children with Islamic occasions and the lives and lessons of the Ahlul-Bait (AS).
Islamic Studies
Supporting children in understanding their beliefs, worship and Islamic responsibilities.
Our Curriculum
What We Teach
Our programme is built around three structured classes, with lessons adapted to the age, level and previous knowledge of each group.
Arabic Language
Arabic classes are divided by both age and level. Children develop their reading, writing, vocabulary and understanding at a pace suited to their current ability.
Munasabat
Children explore important occasions in the Islamic calendar, why they are remembered and the lessons they can take from the lives of the Ahlul-Bait (AS).
Islamic Studies
Children learn about Shia beliefs, worship, Islamic history and the lives and teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the Ahlul-Bait (AS).
How Lessons Are Prepared
Teachers use suitable material from QFatima, Um Aimen Books and other trusted Shia educational resources, adapting each lesson to the age, ability and needs of the class.
Parent and School Commitment
Supporting Every Child’s Progress
These expectations help us protect teaching time, maintain a positive classroom environment and give every child the best opportunity to learn and progress.
City of Knowledge is a structured educational programme rather than a childcare or babysitting service. Each place represents a shared commitment between the school, the child and their family.
Attendance Continuous learning requires regular attendance.
Lessons build on the work completed in previous weeks. Frequent absences can make it difficult for a child to follow the curriculum and progress with their class.
Parents should inform the school whenever their child is unable to attend. We understand that illness, family circumstances and genuine emergencies can arise.
Where a child is deregistered, the place may be offered to another family that is able to attend consistently.
Registration and Refunds A 14-day cooling-off period applies.
Parents may cancel an online registration within 14 calendar days from the date the registration is confirmed.
Where books, folders or other school materials have already been issued, they must be returned in good and reusable condition before a refund can be processed.
This includes withdrawal by the parent, a change in personal arrangements, non-attendance or deregistration under the attendance or yellow-card policies.
A refund will be provided where the school determines that a five-year-old child is not yet ready for the classroom, or where the school cannot provide the confirmed place. Any materials already issued must first be returned.
Nothing in this policy affects a parent’s statutory consumer rights.
Younger Children Admission at age five depends on classroom readiness.
Registration at five years of age does not automatically guarantee continued admission.
During the first classes, teachers will consider whether the child can settle, follow simple instructions, participate in activities and remain in class without regularly interrupting the learning of others.
Where teachers believe that a child is not yet ready, they will speak respectfully with the parents and explain their concerns. The place may then be discontinued and the registration fee refunded once any school materials have been returned.
This is not a criticism of the child or family. Children develop at different stages, and the decision is made for the benefit of the child and the wider class.
Homework Learning should continue during the week.
We aim to provide homework each week so children can revise and strengthen what they have learned in class.
Parents are expected to provide approximately two additional hours of supported learning during the week. This may include homework, Arabic practice, reading and lesson revision.
Parents should guide and encourage their child while allowing the child to complete the work themselves.
Punctuality Classes begin promptly at 4:30 PM.
Students should arrive between 10 and 15 minutes before class so they have enough time to enter, organise their books and settle.
Late arrival affects the child’s learning and interrupts a lesson that has already begun. It may also require a teacher or volunteer to leave the classroom.
Late arrivals will be recorded. Parents will initially receive a reminder, but continued lateness may result in yellow cards.
We understand that an occasional unavoidable delay can happen. Parents should contact the school as soon as possible when this occurs.
Collection Children must be collected at 7:30 PM.
Classes finish at 7:30 PM. Children must be collected promptly by a parent or authorised adult.
Teachers and volunteers cannot provide ongoing supervision after the scheduled finishing time.
We understand that genuine emergencies can occur. Parents should contact the school immediately and arrange for another authorised adult to collect the child where possible.
Regular work commitments, traffic or other recurring arrangements should be planned for in advance.
Yellow Card System Three cumulative cards lead to deregistration.
The yellow-card system gives families clear notice of a concern and an opportunity to address it before the child’s place is affected.
A written notice will explain the concern and the improvement required.
A formal warning will be issued and the school may arrange a conversation with the parent.
The child will be deregistered from City of Knowledge.
For example, one card for incomplete homework, one for continued lateness and one for late collection would amount to three yellow cards.
Serious safeguarding concerns or behaviour that places others at risk may require immediate action without completing every warning stage.