The study of "Judaism" is an important part of the SCHOOL National Curriculum.
JUDAISM FOR SCHOOLS
JSCN helps by matching you with a community, or educator, for in-person visits or virtual talks on Judaism and Jewish Life.
The information below gives you an overview of how, what, when and where you can arrange talks and gain further information on Judaism, Jewish Heritage, and the Holocaust.
SUBMIT A REQUEST:
YOU CAN MAKE AN ENQUIRY using the form at the bottom of the page.
NOW AVAILABLE
Our cross-curriculum, local history activity book KS2
ALSO AVAILABLE
Connecting Small Histories
Histories of Jewish life and their involvement with the local culture and economy across the British Isles
2017 - 2023
In 6 years
JSCN HAS FACILITATED
TALKS ON JUDAISM FOR
52,230
PUPILS
IN
663
SCHOOLS
2021
8552 pupils
108 SCHOOLS
2022
13,140 pupils
187 SCHOOLS
2023
16,581 pupils
216 SCHOOLS
WORKING WITH 60 VOLUNTEER & 15 PROFESSIONAL EDUCATORS
Who can I get to do it?
It is best to use Judaism educational professionals or Certified Volunteers.
Where there is an established local Jewish community they are likely to have many years experience of presenting suitable material, and may well be capable of covering the topics you require.
Professionals should be able to demonstrate a track record specifically in Judaism, as well as referrals for their work.
Send us an enquiry (form below) and we'll try and point you in the right direction.
What will it cost?
Professional: each provider will have standard fees, and these may vary depending on time and distance.
Communities & Volunteers: In cases where there is no set fee, it is usually appropriate to offer a donation to the organisation, or to an individual's designated charity. It would also be appropriate to offer to cover reasonable expenses.
ZOOM/TEAMS virtual visit:
Our Educators and some communities offer virtual presentations / some will additionally offer their own version of a Virtual Synagogue Tour.
JEWISH HERITAGE in the UK
Can my students find out about the history of Jewish life in Great Britain?
YES
In particular there are two Jewish Heritage projects who are interested in working with schools:-
WE WERE THERE TOO - British Jews in the First World War
CONNECTING SMALL HISTORIES - a collection of personal family histories from 6 locations around the UK
JUST TICK THE BOXES ON THE FORM BELOW and will will connect you with those projects
Are there venues I can visit?
Yes.
There are many Synagogues around the country which offer guided tours.
The Jewish Museum in Manchester is a centre of excellence.
Where will I find a Community or Synagogue?
London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool and Glasgow are the largest centres of Jewish life.
However beyond that there are over 100 small Jewish communities spread across the whole of the UK. Their ability to help you will vary from place to place. They are all listed on JSCN with either links to their website or direct contact details.
Are there times of year to avoid?
Yes, there are a number of times you should look out for.
Autumn is the time for the Jewish High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Succot (the Days of Awe). These are some of the most important days of the year. Jews do not work or travel on these days, and will also be occupied with preparations and being with their families.
Avoid Friday afternoons, as many people will be preparing themselves and their families for Shabbat, which starts at sunset.
This is especially problematic in the winter months when the days are at their shortest, and some people will not schedule any work on a Friday.
The Jewish calendar varies slightly each year, so check these and other important dates by using the Calendar link below.
Jewish Calendar
What if I need my teaching staff to receive training?
An accredited training scheme is currently being created for the UK.
We will carry details about this once it becomes available.
Are there any qualified trainers available now?
Yes.
Contact us and we will try and help.
JEWISH LIVING EXPERIENCE
The Jewish Living Experience is a mobile travelling exhibition designed by the Board of Deputies of British Jews. Aimed primarily at school groups, it enables visitors to gain an insight into Judaism as a living faith with a lifestyle that has been sustained for over 5,000 years.
Designed by education experts, the Jewish Living Experience Exhibition supports the teaching of Judaism in line with all agreed Religious Education and Citizenship curriculums.
Help for Primary teachers exploring the topic of the Holocaust
The HET guide, A Guide for Primary School Teachers, has information on literature created during and in response to the Holocaust, activities and reference materials.
Find it here:
https://www.het.org.uk/images/downloads/Primary/A_Guide_for_Primary_School_Teachers.pdf
Survivor stories exploring the experience of the Holocaust
Northern Holocaust Education Group (NHEG) present life stories and experiences of the victims of the Holocaust, for schools, colleges, places of worship, civic authorities etc.
northernholocausteducationgroup.org.uk
Remembrance Assemblies
JSCN is proud to partner with the project "British Jews in the First World War ~ We Were There Too".
Working with Discovery Education the We Were There Too team of staff and volunteers have produced a suite of digital interactive Remembrance Assemblies for both primary and secondary schools. Using the same technology, we have also produced Community Remembrance presentations, for use in synagogues, residential homes, youth groups etc., or even individuals or families, which can be personalised to meet the needs of large or small communities.
Go to the brand new Remembrance section of our website to find out more about how you can use any of these free resources for your Remembrance service this November.
If you have any questions please email contactus@jewsfww.uk and one of the team will be able to help!
[NOTE: please quote Ref. 'Jewish Small Communities Network"]
LINK: Remembrance section
STAND UP! - education against discrimination
JSCN is pleased to partner with STAND UP! - education against discrimination
STAND UP! provide anti-discrimination education with a focus on antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate, to young people in mainstream schools - in-person and via Zoom/Teams.
For more details please follow the link to StandUp!
LINK: STAND UP!
RE Hubs
Dedicated to supporting Religious Education, Religion, Values and Ethics and Religion & Worldviews teachers and practitioners in the UK
RE Today
Supporting those teaching the major world faiths and non-religious worldviews. Publishing teaching materials and offering CPD.
RE Matters
Offers a wide range of continuing professional development (CPD) opportunites in Religious Education.
NATRE
The National Association of Teachers of Religious Education. The association is dedicated to supporting and empowering professionals in the field of Religious Education.
NASACRE
National Association of Standing Advisory Councils on Religious Education.
Works to celebrate, support, strengthen and promote the work of local SACREs and represents their interests at a national level.
Talk & visit enquiries
Links to all small Jewish communities can be found by searching
our Communities List.
However if you are not sure who to contact, use the form below to send us details and we will try and find a match for you.
LONDON AREA: JEWISH MUSEUM
The Museum provides an extensive education service, offering Outreach Visits to schools in London, Virtual Workshops Online,
CLICK HERE to find out more...https://jewishmuseum.org.uk/schools/
SCHOOL & SYNAGOGUE VISIT REQUESTS: COMPLETE YOUR DETAILS
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SEASONAL DELAYS - SEPTEMBER OCTOBER
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