At Kerem School, our broad-based Jewish Studies curriculum aims to instil a love, understanding and knowledge of Jewish tradition and values. Through our curriculum, we aim to develop within our pupils an awareness and love of their Jewish identity and heritage.

Our morning begins with Tefillah, for which we have a Tefillah progression curriculum, ensuring that our pupils become familiar with the main Tefillot at an age-appropriate level.

The Jewish Studies curriculum has a number of elements, including Hebrew reading, Chumash, Jewish Living, Tefillah and Parashat Hashavua. Different emphasis is placed on these areas depending on the age of the class and the time of the year. For example, there is a far greater emphasis on the teaching of Hebrew reading in the younger classes, whereas, in older classes, where children have acquired this skill, more time is spent learning Chumash with Biblical commentaries.

Throughout the year, children are taught about the festivals and other important days in the Jewish Calendar. Wherever possible, we celebrate these together, for example on Sukkot, Chanukah, Purim and Yom Ha'atzmaut, for the children learn far more effectively by experiencing these events rather than just learning about them.

We aim to involve parents as much as possible and we invite you to attend events during the year, such as our Chagigat Chumash and Chagigat Siddur, model Sedarim and Rosh Chodesh Tefillah. We also organise various classes to suit the interests and needs of parents, including Hebrew reading and Jewish parenting. As a parent, you are a key role model for your child and can show them that you value Jewish learning by becoming a learner yourself.

We believe that Jewish Studies needs to be relevant, interesting and experiential, which is why we make excellent use of technology in our lessons as well as ensuring that there is cross curricular work happening between Jewish Studies and secular studies.  This way, our pupils learn that being Jewish and living according to Jewish values is relevant at all times and in all situations, not just in Jewish Studies lessons.