Parents who are considering an Urdu heritage Sunday school often ask a sensible question: what will my child actually do there? The answer differs from school to school, but good schools tend to cover a similar mix: language, culture, history, creative activities and a sense of community. This article explains each strand, shows how learning might progress for children aged five to twelve, and describes what Pak Roots Academy’s published curriculum includes.
Key takeaways
- An Urdu heritage Sunday school usually combines Urdu language learning with Pakistani culture, history and creative activities.
- Children gain more than vocabulary: friendships, confidence and a sense of belonging.
- Progress depends on age, starting point and practice between classes.
- Ask any school how its day is organised and what children will be able to do after a term and a year.
1. Urdu language
Language is usually the backbone. A thoughtful programme works on four skills:
- Listening and speaking. Greetings, everyday phrases, songs, conversations and games.
- Reading. Learning the letters of the Urdu script, recognising words and reading short texts.
- Writing. Handwriting practice, copying and, over time, writing words and sentences.
- Comprehension. Understanding what is heard or read, and being able to answer questions about it.
At Pak Roots Academy, the language strand covers Urdu speaking, reading, writing and comprehension. If you would like to see how these skills develop, read teaching children to read and write Urdu.
2. Pakistani culture and traditions
Culture gives language a living context. Children may learn about customs, celebrations, clothing, food and family traditions, and the values behind them, such as respect, hospitality and community. This is where lessons connect to home life: a child who learns the story of Eid or Independence Day in class can ask relatives what they remember. Our guides to Pakistani festivals for children and Pakistani food traditions show the kind of topics that can be explored.
3. Pakistan’s history and heritage
Age-appropriate history helps children understand where their families come from and why Pakistan matters to so many people. Topics might include ancient sites such as Mohenjo-daro, historic cities like Lahore, the story of independence, and people who shaped Pakistan’s story. Younger children usually learn through pictures, stories and places; older children can discuss events and ideas. See Pakistan facts for kids.
4. Arts, crafts, storytelling and poetry
Creative activities are not a side dish. They help children remember vocabulary, express themselves and enjoy their learning. Typical activities include drawing, painting, truck-art patterns, making lanterns or flags, listening to and telling stories, learning rhymes and reciting poems. Pak Roots Academy’s curriculum includes arts, crafts, storytelling and poetry, which also help children develop confidence and public speaking. For ideas to try at home, see Pakistani arts and crafts for children and Urdu stories, poems and rhymes for children.
5. Identity, community and belonging
Perhaps the most important outcome is harder to measure: children meeting others who share a similar background and learning together. For many children, it is the first time they are in a room where Urdu and Pakistani culture are the norm and not the exception. That can build confidence and pride, and it often leads to friendships. Read helping British-Pakistani children stay connected to their roots.
How learning might progress at an Urdu heritage Sunday school
Every school plans differently, so treat this as a general illustration, not a description of any particular curriculum.
| Stage | Typical focus |
|---|---|
| Early years in class (around 5 to 7) | Greetings, everyday words, songs and rhymes, first letters, simple stories, festivals and crafts |
| Middle years (around 7 to 9) | More confident speaking, reading simple words and sentences, handwriting, simple comprehension, history through stories, creative projects |
| Older children (around 9 to 12) | Longer reading and writing tasks, discussion, poems, cultural and historical topics, presentations |
Children progress at different speeds, and those who already speak Urdu at home will often be ahead in speaking but may need more help with reading and writing.
What a day at an Urdu heritage Sunday school can look like
A longer session works best when it has variety. A school might alternate language work with a practical activity, a story or discussion, and a break, so that children stay engaged. Pak Roots Academy classes run on Sundays from 12 noon to 4 pm for children aged 5 to 12. If you would like to know how the afternoon is organised, please contact us.
What children gain from an Urdu heritage Sunday school beyond content
- Confidence in speaking. Using Urdu in front of friends and teachers.
- Public speaking. Reciting a poem or telling a story to the group.
- Creativity. Making things inspired by Pakistani art and culture.
- Friendship. Shared experience with other children.
- A habit of learning. A weekly routine that gives a family language a place.
How parents can support learning
- Ask your child to teach you something new each week.
- Practise a little at home. Ten minutes of speaking, reading or handwriting helps. See how to teach your child Urdu at home.
- Link class topics to family life. If your child learns about a festival or a place, talk to relatives about it.
- Keep in touch with the teacher and share any worries early.
- Be patient. Language takes years, and the benefits build over time.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need to speak Urdu already?
No. Children start at different levels. A good school welcomes beginners and children who understand more than they say.
Does the school teach religion?
Schools differ, so check what is included and how it is organised. Pak Roots Academy’s published curriculum covers Urdu, Pakistani culture, history, arts and community. If you would like to discuss anything in more detail, contact us.
Will my child be able to read and write after a year?
Progress depends on age, starting point and practice. Be wary of any promise of a specific outcome. Ask the school what children are typically able to do at each stage.
How do I know if an Urdu heritage Sunday school is right?
Use our checklist for choosing a Pakistani cultural school.
Learn Urdu and Pakistani heritage together
Sunday classes in Slough for children aged 5 to 12. Find out how to register and read our fees and terms.
Related reading
- Urdu classes for children in the UK: a parent’s guide
- Urdu school for children in Slough: how to choose
- How to teach children about Pakistani culture while living in the UK
Sources and further reading
- Department for Education, Keeping children safe in out-of-school settings: safeguarding guidance for providers
- Urdu language, Encyclopaedia Britannica: background on the language, its history and writing system
