Jewish Studies Department
Jewish Ethos
Yavneh College is a modern orthodox school which welcomes pupils from across the spectrum of Jewish practice. We aim to equip our young people with the skills, knowledge and understanding of their religious and cultural heritage to enable them to participate with confidence and enjoyment as members of the Jewish community.
Yavneh College celebrates the existence of the State of Israel as being central to Jewish life. We strive to imbue pupils with a love of God, Torah and Israel and to teach them to respect human diversity and diverse viewpoints. We aim to be a centre of excellence in Jewish and secular studies, where children learn within a stimulating and nurturing environment. Our goal is to produce young people for whom learning Torah and gaining an insight into wider culture is central to their identity. We believe that the study of traditional texts, Hebrew language and Jewish history nurtures a school community characterised by a shared tradition and a passion for learning.
Our Jewish ethos is at the core of all that we do, thus our pupils are expected to exemplify the values that they are taught; they are expected to treat others with respect, to contribute to the school community in a positive manner and to play an active part in our tzedakah (charity) and chesed (kindness) campaigns. We believe that it is important that our pupils recognise their responsibility towards the various communities to which they belong. Our tzedakah activities therefore focus each year on three charities selected by the pupils, one being a British Jewish charity, one a British non-Jewish charity and one an Israeli charity. As part of our focus on active citizenship, pupils are encouraged to participate in social action projects such as our ‘Project Darfur’ initiative.
We believe that the Hebrew language is more than just a tool to access classical Jewish texts; it is central to Jewish identity in the modern world and forms a link between our pupils and people of the State of Israel. All pupils are taught Modern Hebrew as a modern foreign language at Yavneh College.
In Year 9, pupils will have the opportunity to go on a residential Israel trip at the end of the summer term, visiting the scenes of Biblical, historical and cultural interest that they have learnt about at school and gaining a first-hand insight into contemporary Israeli society.
In Year 12, students will have the opportunity to visit Poland. In preparation for their visit, they will learn about the 1000 years of vibrant history experienced by the Jews of Poland and thereby gain a deeper understanding of what was lost as a consequence of the Holocaust.
We aim for our pupils to leave as fluent Hebrew readers who know their way around the siddur and are able to participate when attending services and Jewish events throughout their lives. To this end, an afternoon minchah service is 2 held daily for all pupils and a morning shacharit service is held bi-weekly as part of morning assembly and on wholeschool celebrations such as Purim and Yom Haatzmaut. During the course of 2008/09, we will establish a daily voluntary shacharit service, followed by breakfast. Parents will be most welcome to attend. The school will soon have its own synagogue, which will further enhance the beauty of our services.
Yavneh College is a school where Jewish values pervade the life of the school, not simply the Jewish Studies lessons. Although our pupils' knowledge and understanding of their religious heritage is developed through the Jewish Studies curriculum, this is complemented by a stimulating programme of informal Jewish education and cultural activities, tzedakah and other community service activities. We have a lively programme of informal Jewish activities. For Year 7 and 8 pupils, these include Shabbatonim, Sukkah-based activities, Chanukah celebrations, Purim celebrations and a Seudat Purim, a chesed campaign before Pesach when our pupils visit the elderly in residential nursing homes, enrichment clubs studying Pirkei Avot and the weekly Parshah, and commemorations and celebrations for Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut. The development of our Jewish Studies ethos benefits from the guidance of Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks and direction from major Jewish organisations worldwide.
Formal JS Education
At the end of the last academic year, the JS Department carried out a major survey of its courses and activities amongst the pupil body. 100% of pupils confirmed that their Torah learning skills had improved significantly and 96% described the ‘Jewish Life’ at Yavneh as being ‘outstanding.’
In a similar survey of the parents, 96% confirmed that the school gave their children a good understanding of Jewish values and 94% felt that the standards of Jewish education were very high. The JS department is delighted with these figures and is continually striving to improve further.
The KS3 curriculum is divided into three sections; Tenach, Talmud and Jewish History. In addition, pupils take part in daily Minchah services, Shacharit services at various times during the week and have a JS assembly once a fortnight, usually with guest speakers.
The formal Jewish Studies Curriculum is enhanced by a comprehensive range of informal Jewish Studies (IJE) activities and Jewish Enrichment opportunities.
Year 7
In Year 7 all pupils have eight hours of Jewish Studies lessons per fortnight. This is divided into two hours of Jewish History, two hours of Talmud, three hours of Tenach and a one-hour Jewish Studies assembly.
Jewish history: Our KS3 course has been designed to teach all pupils 2,000 years of Jewish History, from the time of the Second Beit HaMikdash (Temple) up to 3 Jewish life in the 21st century. This course has been specifically designed to end in the Summer Term of Year 9, so that pupils will learn about the history of the State of Israel just before they go on the Yavneh College Israel Tour and see first hand what they have learnt about in the classroom.
In Year 7 Jewish history, pupils cover the time period from the destruction of the Second Beit HaMikdash in 70CE through to the beginning of the Talmudic era in the year 500CE. Some of the highlights of this course include learning about Massada, the origins or Christianity, the move to the city of Yavneh and its importance in Judaism.
Talmud: Talmud is the study of the Oral Law; the teachings that explain, expand
and amplify the details of how Jews should keep the Mitzvot. In Year 7 we use
the first two terms of Talmud to run a Basic Jewish Knowledge (BJK) course. This
course is specially designed to teach all pupils the basic facts and laws of
Chagim (festivals), Shabbat and Kashrut. This course allows pupils with minimal
Jewish knowledge the opportunity to learn the basic, but important, facts of
Jewish Knowledge and it allows pupils with a good background of Jewish
knowledge to brush up and fill in the gaps on areas that may have been
forgotten.
Once pupils have completed this course, they start studying Mishnah. In Year 7, pupils learn selected Mishnahyot from Masechet Berachot as well as gaining an understanding of the structure of the Oral Law. The Mishnahyot chosen for study are based around Tefillah; when and how they should be said.
Tenach: Our KS3 Tenach (Bible) course is designed to allow pupils the opportunity to study and explore key passages from different sections of the Tenach. In Year 7, pupils spend two terms studying passages from Bereshit and one term studying Sefer Yehoshua. In addition to studying the passages from the text and some selected commentaries, pupils also consider the messages that these stories can teach to Jewish people living today. Some topics that are studied in Year 7 Tenach include; a structure of the Tenach (Written Law); Kayin and Hevel; The trials and tribulations of Avraham; Rachel and Leah as ‘Mothers of a Nation’; the leadership of Yeshoshua and the mission of the Spies who went to Yericho.
Year 8
In Year 8 all pupils have eight hours of Jewish Studies a fortnight. This is divided into two hours of Jewish History, two hours of Talmud, three hours of Tenach and a one-hour Jewish Studies assembly.
Jewish History: The Year 8 Jewish history curriculum covers the period from the Talmudic era in 500CE up to the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in the year 1492. Some of the highlights of this course include learning about the Karaites, the origins of Islam and the Crusades.
Talmud: Year 8 Talmud begins by continuing the learning of Mishnahyot from
Masecehet Berachot. Topics include when it is time to say the Shema and
having Kavanah when saying the Shema. During the second half of the year,
pupils graduate from Mishnah and start to learn Gemara; the explanations on
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the Mishnah. Gemara is more academically challenging than Mishnah as it is
written in Aramaic, a language similar to Hebrew. The first unit in the Gemara
course involves pupils learning about the structure of the Gemara and its layout.
Pupils then study ‘mini sugyot’ (sections) of Gemara. These sugyot have been
specifically chosen to be of interest to pupils and to allow them to develop their
Gemara skills. In addition to studying these mini-sugyot, pupils are taught key
vocabulary that is common to all sections of Gemara.
Tenach: Pupils spend two terms studying passages from Shemot and one term studying the book of Shoftim, considering the text, selected commentaries and relevant messages. Topics include how the Jews became slaves in Egypt; the birth of Moshe; Moshe’s revelation; the Sneh (Burning Bush); the cycle of idolatry in Shoftim; the story of Devorah and the story of Shimshon the Judge.
Year 9
In Year 9 all pupils have two hours of Jewish History, three hours of Talmud, three hours of Tenach and a Jewish Studies assembly. Jewish History: Pupils study Jewish history from the 16th century to the present day. Some of the highlights of this course include learning about Shabtei Tzvi the False Messiah; the origins of Chasidut, Neo-Orthodoxy and Reform; the early Zionists; the Declaration of the State of Israel and Israel today.
Talmud: Pupils begin by continuing the study of mini-sugyot. Pupils also cover topics from the Personal Wellbeing curriculum, examining these topics from a Jewish perspective. The second half of Year 9 is designed to allow higher ability pupils the opportunity to study an entire Perek (chapter) of Gemara and lower ability pupils to continue learning the mini-sugyot. The general theme of this section of Year 9 Talmud is Kibbud Av V’Em – honouring parents.
Tenach: Pupils begin the year by studying selected passages from Bamidbar and the remainder of the year studying Sefer Shmuel, text, commentary and its meaning. Topics include Moshe hitting the rock; Moshe sending spies into the land of Canaan; David and Goliath and the lives of King Shaul and King David.
KS4:
The KS4 curriculum is divided into two sections; GCSE Religious Studies Philosophy & Applied Ethics and Iyun. In addition, pupils take part in daily Minchah services and will prepare and deliver a 5 minute Devar Torah on a rota basis as part of the KS4 weekly assembly.
GCSE:
All pupils will be following the OCR Religious Studies B (Philosophy & Applied Ethics) J621 specification. This course will focus on the Jewish views of key philosophical and ethical issues and will be considered a core subject within Yavneh College and therefore all pupils will be taking this subject. This subject will be taught over 4 lessons per two week cycle.
This course is divided into 4 modules – 2 ethics and 2 philosophy and is examined with four exams – two at the end of Year 10 and two at the end of Year 11. Each module exam is worth 25% of the final grade. There is no coursework element to this course.
Iyun Classes:
In addition to the GCSE lessons, as a Modern Orthodox school, committed to textual Jewish learning, we shall continue to deliver non-examined Jewish Studies lessons that will be exploring different types of texts. These lessons will ensure that pupils continue to develop their textual skills that they have learnt throughout KS3. Again, this shall be a core subject and all pupils will have to take part in these lessons. This course will be delivered in two 40 minute lessons per two week cycle.
Informal Jewish Education (IJE)
We strongly believe that our IJE activities compliment the formal curriculum and deliver a rounded positive Jewish experience to our pupils. Our IJE projects are delivered via the school’s unique enrichment sessions as well as during JS lessons and through school trips.
Some of the IJE events that take place in KS3 (excluding enrichments) include:
- Shabbatonim (Year 7 & 8)
- A Batmitzvah project and celebratory whole year Simchah
- Sukkah based activities through Chol HaMoed Sukkot
- Chanukah celebrations including a wonderful fair, hadlakat nerot and special foods etc, as well as a musical concert.
- Tu Bishvat outings, ecological projects and sedarim
- Purim celebrations, including reading the Megillah and a Seudat Purim.
- A Chesed campaign before Pesach when our pupils visit the elderly in residential nursing homes
- Pre-Pesach activities, including Matzah Baking, a Pesach Fayre and designing a Year 9 Hagaddah
- Commemorations and celebrations for yom hazikaron and yom haatzmaut
- Yoni Jesner Award Scheme (Year 8)
- Year 9 Israel Tour
- Year 12 Poland Trip
Some examples of JS Enrichments are: 
(1) The Soul
Defining it and looking at sources (such as Rambam ) as to the Jewish view on life after death.
(2) Am Echad (the school’s charity wing).
This runs each term and has been attended by over 60% of school pupils to date. Pupils devise and manage various charity and Chesed projects.
(3) The Bentching Club
For pupils interested in learning Birkat HaMzon prior to their Bar/Bar Mitzvah.)
(4) Parshah Society
Pupils find out about the weekly Parshah (Torah reading) and how it is relevant to their lives today. They explore some of the simple ideas in the Parshah as well as the deeper hidden meanings. Members of the society write and design the YC Parshah sheet Daf Yavneh, which is circulated regularly to local Jewish communities.
(5) Mishnahh Club – Pirkei Avot
This very special book of Mishnah asks us to take a good look at ourselves and the way we treat our family, our friends and G-d. As well as learning Mishnahh skills, this enrichment opens pupils’ minds to Jewish thought and how we can all increase kindness and happiness in the world.
(6) Club Yavneh
Pupils experience a range of great Jewish activities. From guest speakers, DVDs and Jewish arts and crafts, Club Yavneh offers something for everyone. Members of Club Yavneh received membership packs full of fun items, information and benefits. 6
(7) Project Darfur (Year 8 only)
As a community, this school is dedicated to doing what it can to try and make a difference and reduce suffering in the world. This enrichment has given pupils the chance to make a real difference to people’s lives. Working together with Aegis (the genocide awareness/protection organisation), pupils have worked on several projects such as lobbying MPs and raising awareness about Darfur. The success of this project has led to the department being asked to write it up for the QCA website.
(8) Project SMILE
Project SMILE is a unique opportunity for pupils in Years 7 – 9 to visit residents of Jewish Care homes on a weekly basis. The pupils then research about the working lives of the residents – and they will be designing and making a museum of life – to showcase their findings to the rest of the school and local community.
(9) Jewish Secrets of Life
This book was banned and the author excommunicated.......until people realised how special it was and how incredible its ideas were. In this enrichment pupils learn the 18th Century book, Messilat Yesharim, written by Rabbi Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato - one of the most studied Jewish texts in the world. Pupils learn about the meaning of life and the secret to self-improvement not only spiritually, but also in the way we view the world around us.
(10) Root Finder Club
For pupils who are interested in finding out about their ancestors and family history, tracing their movements and discovering their past. Pupils then create a detailed scrapbook of the origins of their family.
Jewish Life in the Sixth Form
The sixth form Jewish Studies programme promises to be exciting, dynamic and informative and will stand out as one of the highlights of a student’s Yavneh experience.
With its blend of formal and informal Jewish education and its strong emphasis on social action projects, a Yavneh College student will graduate the sixth form with learning skills and knowledge as well as a passion for Judaism and a commitment to making a positive contribution to the community.
All sixth form students will follow our Yahadut course for three hours per week during Years 12 and 13, examining fundamental elements of Jewish life and Jewish living in the modern world. Whether it is medical ethics, business ethics, Israel, the role of family/community or basic Jewish practices such as Shabbat and Kashrut (and many more), all are put under the microscope and examined in depth.
In order to ensure that all students can participate fully, we are providing a short optional catch-up textual skills course in the autumn term of Year 12 for students who have no previous experience.
The Yahadut course follows the following format:
Hour 1 - each week, the sixth form will hear from an outside expert in a specific area. For example, a surgeon may be invited to speak about the moral implications involved with organ transplantation.
Hour 2 – an hour will then be spent studying Jewish sources surrounding the issues that the guest speaker has raised. In this way, all sixth formers will be exposed to Jewish texts and thereby develop essential skills.
Hour 3 – will be spent creating and managing social action projects for both the sixth-form and the lower school. Yavneh College is very committed to community cohesion, social action and building positive relations with students from other faiths. The school’s charity and chesed wing, Am Echad, has already made an integral contribution to the fabric of Yavneh College life.
For those students intending to spend a period of time studying in a Yeshivah or Seminary after leaving school, our optional, additional, Bet Medrash Track (BMT) for three hours per week during Years 12 and 13 will offer essential preparation for success in Jewish learning at the highest level.
BMT students will be provided with a series of courses in Tanach, Gemara and Halakha, to familiarise them with text and teachings and to develop and refine their Jewish learning skills. Unlike other courses at Yavneh College, boys and girls following the BMT will be taught separately because of the different requirements of Yeshivot and Seminaries, although identical curricula will be followed where appropriate. There will be a chance to meet representatives from various Yeshivot and Seminaries and the possibility of participating in a pre- gap year Israel pilot trip.
In addition, students can opt to take the A-Level in Religious Studies. Some of the details are set out below:
A-Level Religious Studies
(1) Specification
AS/A Level GCE Religious Studies - H172 H572
(2) Grade Requirements
Grade B or above in GCSE English (literature or language)
Grade B or above in GCSE RE / RS (any board)
(3) Course Description
This re-designed course is available for the first time from September 2008.
The course aims to encourage students to develop their interest in religion and relate their study of religion and to relate it to the wider world. The course also 8 sets out to encourage students to reflect and develop their own attitudes, values and opinions in light of their learning.
This course would suit students who are interested in Judaism and Jewish history. It would appeal to any student who is philosophically minded and interested in why the world is as it is and how religions generally, and Judaism specifically, responds.
Students interested in pursuing further studies or careers which incorporate English, History, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Religious Studies, Economics, Law and many more, would do well to consider this A Level as an appropriate and rewarding option.
Students will study Judaism and Jewish Scriptures.
At ‘AS’, Jewish Scriptures covers:
Background to Tenach, Covenants, G-d and suffering and prophecy
At ‘AS’, Judaism covers:
Sacred writings, beliefs and practices.
At ‘A2,’ students continue to follow the same two areas as at ‘AS.’study
At ‘A2’, Jewish Scriptures covers:
Reward & punishment, the book of Ruth and Messianism
At ‘A2’, Judaism covers:
Beliefs and developments in Judaism.
(4) Assessment
All assessment is by written examination, there is no coursework option available for this course.
For successful completion of the AS Level students will be required to sit two 1½ hour exams; Each paper is worth 50% of the AS Level.
For successful completion of the A2 course all students will be required to have passed the AS Level and then take an additional two exams, each lasting for 1½ hours.