Apple Distinguished School Recognition

We’re pleased to be recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2024–2027 for inspiring, imagining, and impacting teaching and learning schoolwide through continuous innovation.

Our Story

SMA Islam Hidayatullah Semarang, founded in 1999, is a respected educational institution that integrates the national curriculum with a religious one (Merdeka Curriculum, Islamic Education, Al Quran Education, and Character education). By focusing on both faith-based education and scientific learning, the school provides an exceptional Quranic education, developing students who are not only intellectually capable but also emotionally, spiritually, and globally aware.
SMA Islam Hidayatullah Semarang is located at 290 Cemara Raya Street, Banyumanik, Semarang. The school is now home to 425 students, divided into thirteen classes across three grade levels, with 200 boys and 225 girls. Each class holds around 30 students and is separated by gender, with six classes for boys and six for girls. All the students are Muslim, and most come from middle to upper economic backgrounds. The majority of students’ parents are well-educated, with most families residing in Semarang, while a few come from areas outside the city. The teachers at this school possess strong teaching skills, with 85% holding Apple Teacher certificates. The school is well-equipped with facilities that meet the needs of both teaching and learning, including Apple TVs, a wireless network, and mobile carts, all of which are maintained in excellent condition.
SMA Islam Hidayatullah Semarang has consistently shown its dedication to offering a well- rounded and creative learning atmosphere. In recognition of its outstanding educational achievements, the school has proudly earned the esteemed title of an Apple Distinguished School.
By integrating Apple’s advanced technology and applications into the curriculum, SMA Islam Hidayatullah Semarang has transformed the learning experience for its students. With the use of iPads, MacBooks, and other Apple devices, students are given the opportunity to explore and interact with various subjects in a dynamic and interactive way.

The recognition as an Apple Distinguished School highlights SMA Islam Hidayatullah Semarang’s commitment to nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork among its students. By leveraging technology, the school empowers its students to cultivate vital skills for the digital era, equipping them to succeed in our increasingly connected and globalized world.

Inspire

SMA Islam Hidayatullah Semarang envisions a learning environment that equips students with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a dynamic world. The school prioritizes fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to make connections across subjects. The school embraces iPad technology as a tool for collaboration, innovation, and global connectivity. The teachers serve as facilitators, guiding students in their pursuit of knowledge and providing opportunities for hands-on, experiential learning. The school strives to cultivate a love for learning, resilience, and adaptability, empowering our students to become lifelong learners and successful contributors to society.
Furthermore, SMA Islam Hidayatullah is intentional in creating a learning environment that inspires a love of learning. We believe that curiosity is the fuel that drives lifelong learning, so the school encourages exploration and inquiry. The classrooms are designed to be engaging and interactive, with flexible seating arrangements and a variety of resources to cater to different learning styles. The school incorporates project-based learning and hands-on activities to make learning meaningful and relevant. The teachers are passionate and enthusiastic about their subjects, fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere. They celebrate and recognize student achievements, nurturing a sense of pride and accomplishment. Ultimately, they strive to create a space where students are excited to come to school and eager to learn every day.
Learning at SMA Islam Hidayatullah Semarang is designed to be fun which can create an atmosphere that is relaxed, free from pressure, safe, interesting, arouses interest in learning, there is full involvement, an interesting learning environment, enthusiasm, feelings of joy, high concentration. Effective learning is when an atmosphere is created that creates student concentration in learning.

Moreover, The classroom is a place for students to learn that is not limited by space. Classrooms are designed with full freedom where students can determine their learning position. With technology, learning can be done anywhere and at any time. Students can explore more widely. This provides challenges and increases students’ courage in taking risks in solving any problems they face.

Imagine

Each student has different strengths and weaknesses, needs and abilities, so SMA Islam Hidayatullah Semarang provides students a variety of choices in learning materials, teaching methods and assessments. Assessments must be carried out based on abilities and achievements in accordance with student needs. The aim is to ensure that every student can maximize their potential and feel motivated in learning. Student learning outcomes vary in the form of writing (news, books, essays), images, videos, presentations, tables and curves as well as sound (songs, podcasts, reports, vlogs, music) and others. By using Apple technology, students can learn anytime, anywhere and according to their potential.
SMA Islam Hidayatullah Semarang offers a rich variety of extracurricular activities and clubs that encourage students to dive into their interests and cultivate new skills. Whether it’s visual design, language, sports, cinema, art, or music, these opportunities help students outside the classroom uncover their passions and nurture their self-expression. The school also provides a counselling and mentorship program for students’ personal and academic issues. In conclusion, by applying those programs, we can construct a positive environment and community for students at school.
Additionally, the school hosts regular guest speaker events, workshops, Live In, Students Immersion, and field trips to immerse students in real-world experiences and inspire them with the stories and accomplishments of successful people. By highlighting the opportunities that await, SMA Islam Hidayatullah Semarang encourages its students to dream big and chase their goals with passion and perseverance.
Ultimately, At SMA Islam Hidayatullah Semarang, inspiration flows far beyond the classroom walls and school grounds. It infuses every corner of the school’s atmosphere, encouraging students to think creatively, tackle obstacles with confidence, and commit to

lifelong learning. As an Apple Distinguished School, SMA Islam Hidayatullah Semarang truly exemplifies the essence of inspiration, fostering students who are bold in their dreams, inventive in their creations, and dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the world.

Impact

The honor of being named an Apple Distinguished School has deeply affected both the students and the entire institution of SMA Islam Hidayatullah Semarang. This esteemed recognition has opened doors to numerous advantages, enriching the learning journey and elevating the school’s standing.
SMA Islam Hidayatullah Semarang provides opportunities for students to share the results of the learning process at school, either with classmates or from other schools. With classmates, students become peer tutors. Students also share their learning results by inviting other schools to get inspiration from what students convey directly in the learning process. Apart from that, the process of sharing students with other schools is also provided through programs carried out outside school hours. In this program, students have the opportunity to mingle with society and learn various things. By doing activities, students become confident individuals and contribute to the community.
Thus, it can be said that being recognized as an Apple Distinguished School brings a profound change to how technology is woven into the educational experience. With Apple devices and cutting-edge applications, the way students learn has been transformed. Interactive lessons and collaborative projects now play a central role, making learning not only more captivating but also more interactive. This technological integration has enhanced engagement and provided students with crucial digital literacy skills, setting them up for success in today’s digital age.
Moreover, earning the Apple Distinguished School designation has significantly enhanced our school’s standing with parents and potential students. This honor reflects our dedication to offering an outstanding educational experience. It has come to represent a hallmark of quality and excellence, drawing in bright students who are looking for a well- rounded education that integrates faith, knowledge, and technology.