Dhamma School Information

All our Dhamma School classes use a mixture of teaching styles and techniques during lessons in a variety of groupings—whole class, ability groups, mixed ability groups, and paired working. Children are taught Buddhism and Sinhala Language, and the level of work is tailored to individual ability.

A broad and balanced curriculum is planned and taught in a happy and stimulating environment. We make every effort to allocate children to classes based on their knowledge and ability.

The syllabus for individual classes was put together by the teachers of the relevant classes, under the close supervision of Venerable Wanduramba Kassapa Thero, the principal, vice-principal and the administration team of the Athula Dassana Dhamma School. 

*Currently only available to our Heathrow Dhamma School Children*

The Dhamma / Abhidhamma Examination in the English Medium has been conducted by the YMBA since 1948. This examination consists of six Grades.

This Examination is usually held on the last Sunday of June every year, and Certificates and other distinctions are given at the Dhamma School prize giving, which is scheduled for December each year.

Scheme of Examination: The examination shall be at seven levels.

1. 1. Basic Level (One Paper)
   2. Junior – Part 1 (Two Papers)
   3. Junior Part 2 (Two Papers)
   4. Senior -Part 1 (Two Papers)
   5. Senior Part 2 (Two Papers)
   6. Diploma (Two Papers) – available only via our Online Dhamma School

Children may commence sitting examinations at Junior Part 1 Level. But they must complete all the succeeding Examinations consecutively. Those successful at the senior levels are eligible to take the diploma examination. Those who pass the Diploma Level are eligible to sit the Advanced Diploma Examination, which may be completed in two parts within a period of two years.

Our YMBA Teachers

• • Mr Bandara Wannaku (Dhamma)
  • Mr Seevali Liyadipita (Dhamma)
  • Mr Priyan Gunawardena (Abhidhamma)
  • Mr Piyal De Silva (Dhamma & Abhidhamma)
  • Dr Anuja Perera (Dhamma)

Our Online Dhamma School is held every Saturday from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is specifically designed and established for children who cannot attend our Heathrow and Aylesbury Dhamma Schools in person.

We only offer a limited curriculum: Buddhism Lessons and basic Sinhala Language lessons. We are currently in the process of developing additional lessons to expand our curriculum.

Every Saturday, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., our Online Dhamma School children will join our Heathrow Dhamma School via Zoon to take part in the Buddha Vandana and the Dhamma School Assembly. From 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., children will be in classes learning Buddhism and the Sinhala Language.

Once registered, children can join our weekly Online Dhamma School via https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2958166577.

Our Teachers

• Ven Sakyadeeta Mehenin Wahanse
• Mrs Warunika Senanayake
• Miss Amanda Dassanayake

We are a charitable organisation, and our Dhamma School fees and other voluntary contributions cover all expenses.

Over the recent years, the generosity of parents through parent donations has helped us provide a wide range of opportunities and activities for all Dhamma School children to broaden and enrich their education. If you are able to do so, please consider making additional donations as your contribution will make a real difference to our children’s learning.

We do our best to keep our Dhamma School expenses absolute minimum. All proceeds go towards to covering the cost of classroom hire and other expenses directly linked to the Dhamma School.

Weekly fee: £3.00 or £5.00 (if you have more than one child attending, then the weekly fee is £5.00). The fee is payable once a term, normally at the beginning of a new term. 

Dhamma School fee is a voluntary contribution, therefore, regardless of your ability to make a contribution, we would welcome your child\children to our Dhamma School.