WOHL ILFORD JEWISH PRIMARY SCHOOL JEWISH STUDIES POLICY Reviewed: April 2017 Next review: September 2017 Signature of Jewish Studies Lead, Mrs Deborah Harris:.... Signature of Honorary Head of Jewish Studies, Rabbi Davis:.... 1 WIJPS Jewish Studies Policy (Updated April 2017)
INTRODUCTION This document is a statement of the aims, principles and strategies for Jewish Studies at the Wohl Ilford Jewish Primary School (WIJPS). It was updated during the Spring Term 2017 to incorporate the National Curriculum, the Early Learning Goals and the Code of Practice for the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs through a process of consultation by teaching staff. This policy should enable everyone involved in the school community governors, staff, parents and pupils as well as outside agencies and visitors, to understand our approach to Jewish Studies. RATIONALE FOR JEWISH STUDIES At WIJPS, every child - regardless of their family s level of religious practice and commitment - is entitled to have access to a full and motivating Jewish Studies curriculum and Jewish living experience, based on orthodox Jewish beliefs and practices, as prescribed by the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth. We instil in our children a love of Judaism. PRINCIPLES The school understands Jewish Studies as referring to the total Jewish experience of its pupils. It encompasses academic achievements as well as historical and cultural understanding. It provides a way of viewing and understanding the world from a Modern Orthodox Jewish perspective and accelerates pupils individual spiritual development. At WIJPS, Jewish Studies serves as a critical hub for teaching Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education, Personal, Social and Health Education and Citizenship. The WIJPS Jewish Studies Curriculum consists of Programmes of Study for the Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 as follows: Hebrew Reading Hebrew Writing Jewish Way of Life Jewish Festivals Bible Stories Textual Studies (Year 3 Year 6) AIMS 1. To advance the religious development of each child academically and spiritually by: providing happy, interesting, challenging and inspiring learning experiences promoting excellence encouraging children to observe mitzvoth (Jewish law and good deeds). 2 WIJPS Jewish Studies Policy (Updated April 2017)
2. To promote the school s modern orthodox ethos and so encourage each child to cultivate a love and awareness of, and a responsibility to, Jewish heritage and teaching by: creating a visibly Jewish school environment in which an integrated whole-school approach to Jewish and secular studies is implemented. 3. To foster parental support for the Jewish Studies programme by: regular communication through the weekly school newsletter and the monthly Jewish Studies newsletter Kodesh 4 Kidz informing parents of the aims and objectives of the curriculum holding special activities to which parents are invited 4. To encourage children and their families to greater religious observance and performance of mitzvot at home by: encouraging parents to take their children to synagogue on Shabbat and festivals practical activities (mezuzah, succah etc.) in which parents can be involved. 5. To staff the Jewish Studies Department with teachers committed to the school s Orthodox ethos. 6. To maintain a commitment to Halachah throughout the school. 7. To seek to influence further Jewish education and other Jewish activities among pupils by: actively promoting, to parents and pupils Jewish secondary school education encouraging Jewish youth groups to publicise activities in school. 8. To stimulate a love for, and knowledge of, Israel and the Hebrew language by: teaching the history of the Jewish people and the geography of the land of Israel building up a vocabulary of Ivrit words and phrases and developing conversational Ivrit as part of the National Curriculum s Modern Foreign Language. 9. To develop a sense of pride in feeling part of the wider Jewish community and the ability and desire to contribute to it. 3 WIJPS Jewish Studies Policy (Updated April 2017)
The Jewish Studies Curriculum is delivered in a non-judgemental way. It aims to transmit Jewish knowledge and Jewish values in such a way that children are equipped and motivated to continue their Jewish education in secondary school and beyond. General information about Jewish Studies at WIJPS Approximately 20% of the school day is allocated to Jewish Studies. This includes daily Tefillot (prayers). Each Key Stage has an extended assembly for Kabbalat Shabbat on a Friday for 30 minutes. We use the Israeli Hebrew pronunciation. Jewish Studies is inspected by Pikuach under Section 48 of OFSTED. The Jewish Studies Department is supported by a senior local Rabbi as Honorary Head of Jewish Studies and who is the Link Governor. He also chairs the Jewish Ethos Committee which comprises Governors and the Jewish Studies Lead. All Jewish Studies teaching staff attend the Annual National Conference for Jewish Studies Teachers in Primary Schools which is organised by PaJes. Jewish Studies teaching staffing attend school CPD sessions regularly. STRATEGIES FOR TEACHING WIJPS employs Jewish Studies teachers who are passionate about Judaism and are able to share this passion with their pupils through the teaching of Jewish Studies and through informal and extra-curricular activities. Specialist Jewish Studies teachers are employed as follows: A full-time JS teacher for Reception, Key Stage One and one Key Stage Two class (also Jewish Studies Lead) A full-time JS teacher for five Key Stage Two classes A part-time JS Learning Support Assistant (with responsibility for Hebrew reading throughout the school) Jewish Studies may be taught in group, whole class or whole school settings. The Aleph Champ Programme is used as the core resource for the teaching of Hebrew reading. This is followed by Shalom Ivrit and Hebrew story books in Key Stage Two for those that complete the Aleph Champ Programme. Whole school, Key Stage, Year Group and class assemblies are used as a forum for teaching prayer and an understanding of it when possible. 4 WIJPS Jewish Studies Policy (Updated April 2017)
Throughout the year, practical activities are used as important tools for teaching about Shabbat and festivals. Pupils with SEN are given additional support where possible and written work is differentiated appropriately. Parents, grandparents, friends and the wider community are invited in to school to participate in celebrations for Shabbat and Chagim. From Reception, pupils are encouraged to read regularly at home. Pupils also receive written and/or creative projects based on the Jewish Way of Life topic or Chagim. Jewish Studies is used to enhance skills, knowledge and understanding across the curriculum in the following way: English Jewish Studies provides many opportunities for pupils to develop the language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Pupils are encouraged to talk and listen to each other about Jewish issues, to write about their feelings and experiences and to read a variety of texts to inform their learning. English support materials are used within Jewish Studies lessons. Mathematics Jewish Studies provides many opportunities for the teaching and reinforcing of mathematics. These include: the Jewish calendar, Hebrew numbers and weights and measures and all of these are reflected in classroom display. Science Areas for integrated work include: G-d as Creator, the lunar calendar, fermentation of dough on Pesach, mitzvot involving the 5 senses and care for plants and animals. Assemblies link the focus of the wider world, knowledge of the world and our Jewish faith in highlighting awareness, awe and wonder. ICT Pupils will have the opportunity to use the Internet to access information about Israel, Chagim, and Jewish Way of Life through topics and projects that link our lives with others in various Jewish communities and to life in Britain and local values. Design and Technology Pupils will have opportunities to design and make artefacts connected with their Jewish Studies. History In addition to the history component of the Jewish Studies Curriculum in KS2, pupils will be given a Jewish perspective as they study the general history curriculum, e.g. WWII, Holocaust and world history. 5 WIJPS Jewish Studies Policy (Updated April 2017)
Geography In addition to the geography component of the Jewish Studies Curriculum, Israel can be used for the study of rivers, mountains, climate, terrain and a contrasting location in a foreign country, food types and carbon footprint. Art Pupils will have many opportunities for observational drawings of Jewish artefacts and for interesting paintings, collages, etc. linked to the festivals. Music Hebrew songs as well as English songs on Jewish themes will give an added dimension to pupils appreciation and experience of music. PE Israeli dance forms an important component of the PE curriculum. STRATEGIES FOR PROGRESS The Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher take overall responsibility to promote Jewish Studies and cultivate the Jewish ethos of the school. Staff meetings are utilised to review the planning and teaching of Jewish Studies and to prepare for whole school projects such as festival celebrations. Staff will be encouraged to attend courses, review resources, liaise with other agencies and update themselves on information and approaches in the field of Jewish Education. Pupils are encouraged and motivated through: Displays of work Effective marking of work Praise and positive comments: certificates for Hebrew reading; participation in community singing; representation at a variety of Jewish festivals and celebrations; Borough commemorations; homework and work in class Participating in enjoyable practical activities ASSESSMENT, RECORDING AND REPORTING Assessment is carried out by: Informal formative assessment by means of discussion and observation Formal assessment of progress through the reading scheme and outcomes of pupils work linked to objectives Formal summative assessment at the end of each topic and evaluated termly 6 WIJPS Jewish Studies Policy (Updated April 2017)
Records are kept by means of: Teachers notes and mark books Evidence of pupils written work Photographs and videos of activities Online tracking Records consist of: Discussions with parents at termly parent/teacher interviews Annual written reports Online tracking RESOURCES All classrooms have Jewish Studies work/resources on display. The school has a variety of resources for use by teachers. The School Library contains a borrowing section on Jewish interest for pupils. The school is registered with PJ Library and receives books on a termly basis which are placed in the school library. INTEGRATION Teachers of Jewish Studies liaise closely with their parallel Class Teachers. Opportunities for integration with the National Curriculum are actively sought in order to enhance both the overall learning experience and in order to develop further each child s Jewish identity. Jewish values are implicit within school-wide systems, such as the School Council, the house teams and PSHE programmes of learning. The successful delivery of the JS Curriculum is achieved by ensuring that JS teachers adhere to whole school policies in Teaching and Learning, Marking, Assessment, SEN and G&T provision. INCLUSION At WIJPS, we teach Jewish Studies to all children, whatever their ability and individual needs. Through our teaching, we seek to provide learning opportunities that enable all pupils to make optimal progress. We strive hard to meet the needs of pupils who have special educational needs, disabilities, special gifts and talents, or who are learning English as an additional language. Jewish Studies teachers contribute to Individual Pupil Plans (IPPs); when appropriate, these may contain specific targets relating to Jewish Studies. 7 WIJPS Jewish Studies Policy (Updated April 2017)
THE CURRICULUM The Jewish Studies Curriculum undergoes constant review by Jewish Studies teachers in order to further the aims of the school. There are four main curriculum areas, each containing several strands. These are explained below: 1. Torah Parashah The weekly Torah portion Chumash We teach Parashah from Reception to Year 6 within the framework of the spiral Jewish Curriculum Partnership (JCP) curriculum. We use the JCP mitzvah/middah grids which identify a specific mitzvah/middah/value to be learnt through the Parashah learning in each Year Group. This forms an integral part of the school s PSHE teaching and learning. We encourage teachers to use creative and imaginative teaching styles and strategies (props, role play, hot seating, etc.) whilst teaching Parashah, in particular those that reflect the National Curriculum Speaking and Listening objectives. Extension activities are offered for Gifted and Talented children. Children are presented with a Chumash at a Chagigah in Year 3. We use the JCP Chumash Curriculum in Key Stage Two. 2. Jewish Way of Life Tefillah (Daily, Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh & Festival Prayers) The Jewish calendar Festivals Shabbat Mitzvot/Middot Kashrut Brachot We use the Chief Rabbi s Children s Siddur. Children are presented with this Siddur at a Chagigah in Year 1. We have produced a phonetic transliterated Siddur for use by non-jewish staff and children to enable them to join in with school prayers. We have developed a progressive mapping of learning for Tefillah that enables children to become familiar with an ever-growing variety of texts in the Siddur. Our focus is not just on reading the words but also on developing an understanding and appreciation of the meaning of the Tefillot. 8 WIJPS Jewish Studies Policy (Updated April 2017)
We strive to make Tefillah both a spiritual and creative experience and use music and private Tefillah in order to enhance the experience for the children. Through the Tefillah curriculum, it is our aim that the children will: - become familiar and comfortable with basic Tefillot - pray with understanding - be able to navigate the Siddur to find key Tefillot - feel able to participate actively and confidently in their synagogue s children s service - feel comfortable and able to follow and participate in a main synagogue service We have a unique Jewish Year curriculum with detailed information about what is taught in each Year Group. We always revise and consolidate previously learnt knowledge before introducing new information. A substantial repertoire of songs plays a significant part in enhancing the children s experience of each Festival. Exciting events are held in school to celebrate each Chag (Festival), e.g. Chanukah activities, Purim activity day, Model Sedarim etc. Through the weekly Kabbalat Shabbat assembly and through layered learning, children develop an understanding of the meaning of Shabbat and its practices. Children in Years 1 and 2 participate in a Shabbaton at a local Synagogue and children in Years 3 and 4 participate in a Friday night dinner at a local Synagogue. A residential Shabbaton is held for children in Year 5 in conjunction with our Foundation Body the United Synagogue. Daily and periodic collections of tzedakah as well as charitable initiatives led by Jewish Care, GIFT, Camp Simcha and other charities, enable children to give to the wider community and to discover the importance of doing chesed. Children are taught the importance of giving tzedakah and helping others. The Jewish Studies Department selects two charities each year to support one Jewish/Israeli and one British/non-Jewish. A unique and intensive Sex and Relationships Week is held towards the end of Year 6 to prepare the children for the challenges of growing up and an understanding of loving relationships, changes to their bodies, hygiene and family trees linked to Jewish Studies. This deepens their understanding of future relationships, behaviour, reflections of their faith and awareness of close-knit families/community to support their development and transition to secondary school and beyond. 9 WIJPS Jewish Studies Policy (Updated April 2017)
3. Hebrew Reading Writing Language - Vocabulary, Grammar, and Comprehension We believe that the ultimate aim of teaching Hebrew reading is that the children should be able to read classical Jewish texts with accuracy and fluency. We start to teach Alef Bet reading in Reception, after the Succot/Simchat Torah holiday. We involve the children s families in their Hebrew reading development. We expect the children to be practising regularly at home. Every child from Reception Year 2 has a Hebrew reading record book which is signed by the parent each time reading is done, as do children in Key Stage Two who are reading from the Aleph Champ Hebrew Reading Programme. The Jewish Studies Learning Support Assistant hears every child read as regularly as possible. We start to teach Hebrew script reading and writing in Year 2 to the more able pupils. We teach Rashi script reading to more able pupils when appropriate in Year 6. We assess the children s Hebrew reading through regular formative assessments. We keep individual and whole class records of attainment in a manner similar to secular pupil assessment and record keeping. A systematic programme of Hebrew grammar is used weekly in Years 4 6 to ensure a thorough understanding of prefixes and suffixes. The ability to dissect and translate complex Hebrew verbs is then applied in Chumash learning. Through the acquisition and understanding of Biblical Hebrew vocabulary and grammar, children in Years 4 6 develop the ability to translate and comprehend the text of the Torah. 4. Israel Aspects of Israel, both in ancient times and in the modern day, feature throughout the curriculum. The State of Israel is highlighted in the Summer Term through the observance of Yom HaZikaron and the celebration of Yom Ha atzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim. The introduction of Ivrit to Foundation Stage and Key Stage One has made possible further links with the modern-day State of Israel and its people. Ivrit is taught as a Modern Foreign Language in Key Stage Two as part of the National Curriculum. Songs, visitors and fund-raising initiatives throughout the year contribute to an evergrowing bond with the State of Israel. 10 WIJPS Jewish Studies Policy (Updated April 2017)
THE JEWISH CURRICULUM PARTNERSHIP (JCP) The JCP develop curriculum and assessment materials for Parashah and Chumash Studies, and provide CPD training. We use their learning and teaching materials, evaluating, adapting and augmenting them for the needs of our school. We attend their training days and host their staff for observation and moderation visits when possible. EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Children are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities that enhance the Jewish life of the school and that serve to extend their own Jewish experience and knowledge. Examples are the Shabbaton for Years 1 and 2, the Friday night dinner for Years 3 and 4 and the residential Shabbaton for Year 5 and 6. We also have an Israeli Dance Group and a choir who perform both in school, at communal events and for the local and wider communities. There are leyning opportunities for all boys and the opportunity to learn Anim Zemirot. DAY TRIPS AND RESIDENTIALS All day trips and residentials must be accompanied by a member of the Jewish Studies team to ensure that religious observance is carried out correctly. Before booking a day trip or a residential, secular staff are asked to discuss with the Jewish Studies Lead to ensure that the venue and date(s) are acceptable. The dress code for pupils, staff and volunteers is as per the expected dress code for a school day but, for security; boys should also wear a baseball cap. The CST (Community Security Trust) must be notified of all day trips and residentials taking place. Any refreshments, both food and drink, purchased on a day trip or residential for adults or pupils must adhere to the London Beth Din Kashrut Guidelines. A copy of the Really Jewish Food Guide is available from the School Office. Day trips and residentials must not take place on or during: Purim Yom Hashoah Yom Ha zikaron Yom Ha atzmaut the Nine Days from 1 Av to 9 Av unless the nature of the trip is relevant to the day. On Chanukah, pupils must be back in school for candle lighting no later than 2.45 pm. 11 WIJPS Jewish Studies Policy (Updated April 2017)
RESOURCES Jewish Studies resources are stored in the cupboards in the two Jewish Studies Rooms. These include reading schemes and books for each key stage, Siddurim and Chumashim, our own workbooks and worksheets, posters, CD s, DVD s and games. Teachers have the use of laminating and photocopying facilities, a computer with suitable, updated software and interactive whiteboards in the classrooms. OUTREACH Secular teachers and support staff are inducted to ensure an understanding and appreciation of the ethos and practices of the school. This includes kashrut, personal clothing, daily ritual procedures (e.g. bensching), celebrations of Chagim (festivals), day trips and residentials. Parents are encouraged to take part in their child s Jewish education. This may be achieved through: - Evening courses run by the school, SEED or local Rabbonim and designed to develop the Jewish skills, knowledge and understanding of parents and to enhance their confidence and ability to help and guide their children. - Parent Consultation evenings, Drop Ins and Meet the Teacher evenings during the year to discuss their child s progress. - Termly or half termly Jewish Studies homework projects - End of Year reports - Investigative tasks and challenge questions to be shared between parents and pupils Local Rabbonim are regularly invited to attend major school events and to speak at assemblies Links are maintained with Jewish charities such as Jewish Care, Camp Simcha, Norwood and GIFT to enable children to give of their time and energy as well as through donations of money and other resources. Jewish organisations are invited in to school to run programmes throughout the year such as SEED, Tribe, JNF and RJCC. Regular exchanges with local schools have taken place. 12 WIJPS Jewish Studies Policy (Updated April 2017)
FUNDAMENTAL BRITISH VALUES We aim to prepare children for a changing world while learning from Jewish and British values. WIJPS is a school where children learn: to achieve through working with and helping others; to respect the diversity of the community in which they live and learn; to contribute to Jewish continuity and the wider society. We are committed to the concept of lifelong learning by identifying opportunities for professional development, Jewish family education and community learning of a high standard. Central to our success is the significance we attach to the relationships between the school, the parent body and the local community. WIJPS is a part of the 3 Faiths Forum and is linked with the Al Noor Primary School. It is hoped that a future link will include the Avanti Court Primary School in Barkingside and the development of the school as a rights respecting school, led by the Deputy Head Teacher. Above all, WIJPS provides a warm and friendly Jewish environment where children of all backgrounds are welcomed and nurtured to realise their potential. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES All pupils have access to the Jewish studies curriculum regardless of gender or ability. Pupils with SEN will receive extra support in the classroom in accordance with their IPPs. The school aim is for all pupils to reach their full potential, having a positive self-image and awareness of their equal but different role in modern orthodox Judaism. Pupils are taught that they must respect other faiths and they are regularly reminded about the Talmudic teaching that all good people, whatever their faith, have a share in the World to Come. HEALTH AND SAFETY Health and Safety is the responsibility of all members of staff and care must be taken with the storage and handling of all apparatus. Staff are required to read and abide by the procedures outlined in the school s Health and Safety Policy. 13 WIJPS Jewish Studies Policy (Updated April 2017)