Overview of Jewish Education at JCoSS
Formal Jewish Education Curriculum Key Stage 3 (years 7-9)
JCoSS is committed to educating towards creating literate Jews, who have a substantial knowledge and skills base that will inform their Jewish identities and will secure their commitment to a life-long Jewish journey.
The curriculum consists of building blocks that will develop over the three years of KS3. Each year will build upon and develop the knowledge and skills attained in the previous year.
The curriculum is approached thematically. Year 7 - Family; Year 8 - Peoplehood; Year 9 - Leadership. The themes of diversity and difference, Tikun Olam (World Repair), and Bein Adam Le Chavero, (treatment of our fellow humans) will pervade each aspect of the curriculum.
This thematic approach enables students to make connections across subjects, with a strong emphasis on the acquisition of skills and the unique responsibility of personal social action.
The pedagogic method employed is consistent throughout the key stage and reflects the values unique to JCoSS. Machloket (informed debate) is at the heart of learning, difference is celebrated and diversity respected. Texts are analysed through a plurality of methods: literary, historical, and values oriented. The full range of Jewish sources are used and opportunities to study independently are encouraged.
There is a strong emphasis on skills acquisition, to ensure that a JCoSS student is fully equipped to continue their Jewish journey far beyond the school gates.
The curriculum approaches the theme of God and spirituality with sensitivity and openness. Different forms and expressions of spirituality are presented throughout the subjects.
JCoSS attracts students from across the religious spectrum, students who come from practicing families as well as families who are secular, and non-practicing. When they first enter the school, many of our students will be familiar with and able to read Hebrew, some will not. Many will celebrate the Jewish festivals, some will not.
Therefore, the curriculum caters to a wide knowledge base and large variety of experiences, and is fully differentiated.