Expeditionary Learning
A Qur’an-centred, interdisciplinary approach to learning.
At The Mountain, education is an active, immersive experience. Inspired by Expeditionary Learning (EL), we engage students in real-world, purpose-driven expeditions that cultivate deep thinking, faith, and responsibility. Our approach is structured around big, meaningful questions that connect disciplines, nurture stewardship (khilafah), and prepare students to apply their learning in service of humanity.
Each learning expedition follows a Qur’anic, interdisciplinary framework, integrating knowledge from science, history, literature, and Islamic studies into cohesive, hands-on projects that are academically rigorous and spiritually enriching.
How Does Expeditionary Learning Work at The Mountain?
Each learning expedition follows a clear structure:
1. Big Questions Rooted in the Qur’an
Every expedition begins with a big question that connects to the Qur’an and the real world. For example:
📖 How does the natural world reflect Allah’s signs? (Interdisciplinary links: Science, Geography, Qur’an)
⚖️ What does it mean to establish justice? (Interdisciplinary links: History, Ethics, Islamic Law)
Students explore these questions through research, discussions, hands-on experiments, and fieldwork.
2. Learning in the Field
Expeditions take students beyond the classroom—into nature, communities, and workplaces.
🔍 Science & Stewardship: Investigating ecosystems in local forests, learning how the Prophet ﷺ cared for the environment. Volunteering for conservation work in the UK National Parks.
🏗 History & Architecture: Visiting historical sites to understand Islamic civilisation’s impact on urban design.
3. Real-World Application
Expeditionary learning isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about action. Each expedition ends with a final product that benefits the wider community:
🎙 Publishing a podcast on Qur’anic insights into sustainability.
📜 Creating a digital exhibition about Muslim scholars and their scientific contributions.
🛠 Designing a service project, such as a reforestation effort inspired by Islamic stewardship.
4. Qur’anic Reflection & Character Development
Each expedition integrates spiritual and ethical growth, helping students connect their learning to their faith. Through:
💬 Quran and Seerah connections – linking lessons to the Quran and Sunnah.
🤲 Journaling & Reflection – students engage in self-assessment through an Islamic lens.
The Mountain Curriculum
1. Curriculum Philosophy & Approach
- Qur’an as the foundation of learning and character development.
- Interdisciplinary, project-based, and experiential learning rooted in Expeditionary Learning principles.
- Learning in harmony with nature and fostering stewardship.
2. Learning Stages & Developmental Focus
Each stage builds on the previous, ensuring a progression in knowledge, skills, and character.
Mount al-Noor (Year 1-3) – The Light of Beginnings
- Focus: Foundational literacy, numeracy, and curiosity-driven exploration.
- Learning Mode: Play-based, inquiry-led, and nature-immersed.
- Core Themes: Identity, wonder of creation, early problem-solving, and storytelling.
Mount Uhud (Year 4-6) – The Mountain of Resilience
- Focus: Strengthening core academic skills while fostering resilience and independence.
- Learning Mode: Hands-on, collaborative projects with deeper engagement.
- Core Themes: Moral courage, self-discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving in real-world contexts.
Mount Sinai (Year 7-9) – The Mountain of Wisdom
- Focus: Critical thinking, deeper knowledge integration, and developing responsibility.
- Learning Mode: Socratic discussion, real-world expeditions, and service-based projects.
- Core Themes: Leadership, ethics, systems-thinking, and historical perspective.
Mount K2 (Year 10-13) – The Summit of Mastery
- Focus: Specialisation, mastery, and preparing for higher education or life’s calling.
- Learning Mode: Research projects, apprenticeships, and problem-solving challenges.
- Core Themes: Scholarship, expertise, real-world impact, and personal mission.
3. Core Learning Domains
These ensure a well-rounded, rigorous education that aligns with The Mountain’s vision:
- Faith & Ethics: Qur’an, Seerah, Prophetic character, spiritual development.
- Literacies: Reading, writing, oracy, media literacy.
- Languages: English, Arabic.
- Science, Technology & Mathematics: Integrated, inquiry-led approach, astronomy, ecology, engineering, medicine.
- Humanities: History, geography, anthropology, archaeology, philosophy, creative arts and civic engagement.
- Expeditionary Learning: Project-based, real-world challenges.
- Entrepreneurship: Business, trade, economics.
- Nature & Stewardship: Outdoor learning, sustainability, and environmental responsibility.
- Sports: Swimming, archery, martial arts.
- Adventure: Survival skills, sailing, climbing, camping.
- Independent Living: Permaculture, carpentry, cooking.
- Innovation: Systems thinking, creativity, critical thinking.
4. Assessment & Mastery
- Mastery-based progression, not just age-based advancement.
- Portfolios, presentations, and real-world application over rote testing.
- Character and leadership development as key measures of success.
5. The National Curriculum
At The Mountain, we recognise the importance of a structured academic framework and ensure that our curriculum aligns with the National Curriculum from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 5. While our approach to learning is interdisciplinary, inquiry-driven, and deeply rooted in the Qur’an, we also map our educational journey to the National Curriculum, ensuring that students gain the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their academic pathways. This includes preparation for IGCSEs and International A Levels, providing students with recognised qualifications while engaging in a holistic, purpose-driven education that goes beyond exams to cultivate wisdom, stewardship, and real-world competence.
We are also exploring the International Baccalaureate programmes.