Jewish
19 May 2016
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Edited by Brigit Grant
SUPPLEMENT
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The Jewish News 19 May 2016
www.jewishnews.co.uk
EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT
Where will all our children go? With more Jewish pupils than there are secondary schools to accommodate them, Caron Kemp examines our community’s big education concerns
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ach year as March approaches, anxious parents and children across the country wait with baited breath to see if they will be fortunate enough to secure a place at one of our already overstretched and oversubscribed Jewish secondary schools. Seen by the affected families as a simple equation of too many children and not enough school places, it can be an extremely fraught and stressful time. Yet this has become a persistent problem year on year, exacerbated perhaps by the economic downturn from 2008, the rise in anti-Semitism and the sharp increase in Jewish primary school provision. In Barnet alone, the council projections for pupil growth indicate a need for around 600 extra secondary school places by the end of the decade. Hosting the country’s largest Jewish population, suffice to say the demand for Jewish
schools follows this trend. This September, Borehamwood’s Yavneh College will open its doors to an extra 30 children, but while this is welcome news for some of those currently scrambling for places, it does not address the long-term issue. While the Partnership for Jewish Schools (PaJeS), established to provide services, support and strategy to Jewish schools across the UK, would not be pinned down as to whether it believes there is a specific need for a new Jewish secondary school, nor whether one will definitely open, spokeswoman Jessica Boxer did say that extensive research is being carried out to better inform the discussion. She also highlighted one caveat to the complex landscape. “There probably are enough places at Jewish schools at the moment, but they are not perfectly distributed in line with the demand,” she admitted.
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When King Solomon High School was opened ary school landscape in London; a school with a in Ilford in 1993, its remit was to offer a Modern Orthodox open-minded outlook offering comprehensive education to Jewish children in high standards of Jewish studies, ideally on Redbridge and the surrounding areas. In a par with the best American Jewish 2016, while it is still oversubscribed, high schools,” she admits. only a third of its 1,000 places are With plans to submit her free occupied by Jewish students. school proposal to the DepartAttempts have been made in ment for Education later this recent years to encourage famyear, with a view to opening ilies to consider the commute a five-form entry school in from north-west London. either Edgware or Mill Hill Yet not content with this in September 2018, Eve solution, mother-of-three and believes this is a long-overdue Hendon resident Eve Sacks took proposition. the matter into her own hands, “Our proposal will help spearheading a campaign to estabresolve the issue by injecting an lish a new Jewish school to meet extra 150 places into the state school Eve Sacks demand and to offer choice. sector, giving parents a better chance of “We embarked on the process because securing a place at the school they feel we felt that there was a gap in the Jewish second- best meets the needs of their children,” she adds. “We have felt that there is a genuine excitement at the prospect of a Modern Orthodox secondary school that offers pupils a strong secular and Jewish education. “We are not merely responding to a shortage of school places. We are driven by a particular vision and we have spent a good deal of time refining the values that we would like to govern the school. We are using this vision to guide us as we move forward.” The team behind the Modern Orthodox Secondary School (MOSS) application will hear next March if they have managed to secure funding, following which they will commence the search for a site. Yet they are not alone in hoping to establish a new Jewish secondary school. In January, it was announced that the newly-created Nekadma Trust, headed by Rosh Pinah school chairman Andrew Rotenberg, would be applying to open the Kedem High School – a free Orthodox Jewish secondary school – in Barnet, within the next two years. The project, in partnership with Lilac Sky Outstanding Education Services, aims to offer “a truly integrated secular and Jewish curriculum which is rich, varied and challenging,” it states on its website. According to a recent update on its Facebook page, almost all necessary paperwork has now been submitted to the DfE; “however, there are a couple of preliminary legal/technical issues that need to be addressed at this point which are completely outside of our control,” it states. While it is not impossible for the DfE to ratify The shortage of secondary places has led to Yavneh College saying it will open its doors to an extra 30 children this September both applications, it is believed to be unlikely.
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Fathomably, neither application could get the go-ahead and, equally, some suggest that other groups are applying to open a new Jewish free school in north-west London that have not announced so publicly. In the meantime, Hasmonean High School confirmed last month that it plans to move its boys’ school in Hendon adjacent to the girls’ site in Mill Hill, which would allow for the potential to take more pupils, with plans included to offer an on-site nursery. The proposal talks specifically about providing an additional two-form entry, which would ease some of the pressure on the current situation. What is clear is that, in the next few years something has to change, as the need for extra secondary school places within the north-west London
19 May 2016 The Jewish News
Jewish community has never been greater. As Ruth Gafson, headteacher at Moriah Jewish Day School in Pinner, is acutely aware behind the facts and figures, there are children and their families sometimes deeply affected by this situation. “The uncertainty of secondary education is a live issue for our parents,” she explains. “All of these schools are similar but offer differing learning experiences; some in religiosity and some in teaching approaches. “Following a visit to the schools, parents and children emerge with a favourite, often based on gut feeling, but parents accept that they don’t really have any choice at all. “This can be both disheartening and unsatisfactory for parents at what is already a fraught time.”
The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School Nurturing Excellence
Open Day Saturday 8 October 2016 1 –4pm Booked tours available through the year
An outstanding independent day school for boys aged between 5 and 18.
www.habsboys.org.uk registered charity no: 313996
Hasmonean High School boys’ campus will move to the girls’ site in Mill Hill so it can take more pupils
SweetTree Specialist Learning Disabilities Services The specialist Learning Disabilities Service at SweetTree provides the highest quality care and support at home and in the community, for people with mild, moderate, and severe learning disabilities. Supporting people to reach their full potential is a key aim of the service. We achieve this by helping clients to build their confidence and independence, to develop new skills and overall by supporting them to lead an active and fulfilling life. Our person-centred support packages are designed around each individual and their likes, dislikes, goals and ambitions, focusing on what people can do rather than potential obstacles.
Please contact the team anytime for advice or to book a free care assessment 020 7624 9944 | info@sweettree.co.uk | www.sweettree.co.uk | @SweetTreeHCS
Butterfly Lane, Elstree, Hertfordshire WD6 3AF Tel: 020 8266 1700 admissions@habsboys.org.uk Headmaster Peter Hamilton MA
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The Jewish News 19 May 2016
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EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT
A Novel Experience With computers and tablets dominating most children’s lives, books have been shelved. Reading consultant Clare Zinkin explains why reading is essential – and how to make it interesting
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iming is everything and I was lucky enough to start working in children’s publishing at the same time as the first Harry Potter novel was launched in 1997. This kick-started a new golden age in children’s literature and, in 2001, a children’s book, Philip Pullman’s The Amber Spyglass, won the Whitbread (former Booker Prize) for the first time. With the sales for children’s books rising to £349 million in 2014 – the highest level since that first Harry Potter – the market just continues to grow, as does the breadth of books, with 10,000 new children’s titles published in the UK every year. And yet it’s still a struggle to get children to read. With limited free time and ever more ‘screen time’, our children are less and less likely to pick up a book. Nearly three-quarters of households own a tablet computer and yet three in 10 children in the UK do not own a single book of their own, according to the National Literacy Trust. The Trust believes that children who don’t own books “are less likely to have positive experiences of reading, less likely to do well at school and less likely to be engaged in reading in any form”. In fact, the issue of accessibility is huge. With the current lack of funding for libraries, and budget tightening in schools, as well as the closure of high street bookshops, it is becoming more difficult for children to find books they like. With 73 percent of children saying they would read more if they could find more books they like, it falls to parents to provide the selection and in doing so, encourage their children to read. But “how?“, I hear you cry.
Children copy behaviour, be it eating vegetables, keeping fit or reading books. Parents shouldn’t expect their children to be great readers if they don’t see an example they can follow. And that means print. Children can’t decipher whether a parent is reading a book on an e-reader or playing a game, so reading be it an actual book, newspaper or magazine is optimal. Talking about books is also key, so when reading to your children discuss everything from the plot points to the funny bits, and try relating what they have read to real life. Accessibility as previously stated is crucial, so have books around the house and when you are out think about taking your children to book swaps, libraries and charity shops. Nothing gets a child more excited than the opportunity to meet an author, so you could also take them to book signings and literary festivals. Remember: enthusiasm mounts with exposure. But why is reading so important for children? Of course, we know that reading boosts general educational achievement – in subjects such as maths as well as literacy – which has a greater impact on achievement than their parents’ socio-economic status ever will. What you might not realise is that it also acts as a de-stress – by as much as 60 percent for the average reader and, most importantly, provides emotional and social benefits. It also helps the understanding of others and gives a moral compass. In essence, it teaches humanity. In any children’s book, there are likely to be key decisions made by the protagonist on what is right or wrong, how to make friends, who to trust, how to ‘grow’ as a person. Even in the most ‘funny’ reads, the characters impart some of this to children. Charlie And The Chocolate Factory shows children how to behave by the misbehaviour of the revolting children who win golden tickets, and they suffer the consequences of their actions. Harry Potter grows as a person from books one to seven, learning about friendship, self-belief, community, determination, and facing fears – and yes, the adventures are pretty exciting, too. As someone once said, children who read become adults who think. As much as learning about others, children also look for themselves in books – they want to see that they are not alone. Books can be as much a finding place as an escape from the reality they are living, especially for teenagers. They can see themselves in the books they read, as well as seeing their
friends, and learn how to deal with issues almost by osmosis – not being directly spoon-fed – but by seeing how a character deals with the situation. From dealing with a mother’s cancer in A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness to dealing with ‘difference’ in Wonder by RJ Palacio, there are many different issues in many different stories. One of my many tasks as a children’s reading consultant is to find topics embedded in children’s stories that can subtly help the child in question. There are some brilliant ideas coming from publishers and charities, too – from the Reading Agency’s Reading Well scheme for teenagers with mental health issues, to the publisher Barrington Stoke, which specialises in producing books for those who are reluctant to read or have reading difficulties such as dyslexia. Publishers are realising that more and more children want that ‘mirror’ in their books, and are attempting to address missing diversity. The winner of the Best Older Fiction in the
Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2016 was Lisa Williamson’s The Art of Being Normal – a young adult novel about a boy wanting to be a girl, dealing with sexuality and gender. Others in the publishing world are more subtle – the illustrator Rebecca Cobb neatly interweaves a mix of diversity in her group of friends in The Something picture book – showing a child in a wheelchair without drawing attention to it. Of course, there is still much more to do to promote diversity in children’s publishing, and to get children reading. But if they can find a book that speaks directly to them, that doesn’t preach the answers, but makes them think about the questions, then they’ve taken the first step on that magical reading path. • For further information, strategies to encourage your child to be a ‘reader for life’, themed booklists and book reviews, visit Clare Zinkin’s website at www.MinervaReads.com
Books that address specific issues: SIBLINGS: The Only Child Club by Anne Fine Conveying the hilarious truth about siblings, this is a book for newly independent readers that confronts the issues of having and not having siblings for the age group who are most likely to feel it. Ryan, an only child, invites the other ‘only children’ in his class to be in The Only Child Club. They need to decide what it is that siblings actually do and come up with the most hilarious ideas (age 5+ years).
Whatever Happened to my Sister? by Simona Ciraolo A touching picture book for any younger sibling whose older sister has started on the transition out of childhood. It portrays the shift in relationship with great skill, from the depiction of the older sister in hot pants and skimpy top reaching into a cupboard, with the words “My sister was never so tall. Did it happen overnight?” to the little girl shut out of her sister’s room, as her sister peruses magazines and listens on headphones. An uplifting ending, but a good insight into the ever transient relationship of siblings.
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19 May 2016 The Jewish News
SEXTING AND FRIENDSHIP:
DISABILITY: We Are Giants by Amber Lee Dodd A brilliant, page-turning debut novel for ages nine to 12 years about moving house and school to a different area, and being different. Sydney loves her mum Amy, even if she is different from all the other mothers. Sydney’s mum has dwarfism, and although Sydney sees it as a wonderful thing and wishes she could stop growing to be more like her mum, other children don’t see it in quite the same way. Told from Sydney’s point of view, this is a gripping story about making new friends and dealing with bullies, applicable to everyone who feels a bit different inside. Katy by Jacqueline Wilson A modern day version of What Katy Did by Susan Coolidge. Katy is a strong-willed child, one of a large family of six. Jacqueline Wilson portrays the modern family dynamic with aplomb – a stepmother, the arguments and escapades of modern-day children, the annoying little sister. Then, a terrible accident leaves Katy wheelchair- bound. Unlike the original story, there is no fairy tale ending. The effect on Katy’s and the rest of the family’s emotions is devastating but very real – and her recovery is dealt with well. For ages 10 plus.
BEREAVEMENT: The Many Worlds of Albie Bright by Christopher Edge Albie (named after Einstein) by his scientist parents, is a curious Year 6 boy, who is grieving for his mother who died just two weeks before the book begins. To assuage his sadness, and to discover where she might have gone after death, he explores the idea of parallel universes – could she be alive in a different time and space? An intriguing book, highly emotive, but with touches of humour. Highly recommend for ages 8+.
Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead Three interlocking narratives make for a compelling story of friendship and inhibitions. Bridge, aged 11, survived a horrific car accident and is pondering the meaning of life after missing so much school. Sherm is exploring love as he witnesses the break-up of his long-married grandparents’ and a third narrative – a mystery troubled youngster. The book deals with internet safety, self-image, and peer pressure as the three progress into adolescence. Highly readable and realistic dialogue make this an exceptional read for 12+ years.
MENTAL HEALTH Panther by David Owen Derrick is overweight. He eats out of a sense of helplessness because his sister is held in the grip of deep depression, and everyone around her is tainted in some way. Derrick becomes obsessed with finding a wild panther, rumoured to be wandering the allotments and parks of south London. If he can catch and tame a wild beast, then surely he can exert control over what’s happening in the rest of his life? This is a highly emotional novel, dealing with depression and the wider effects on family and friends. Hard-hitting. For ages 15+.
TEENAGE PREGNANCY Trouble by Non Pratt A dual narrative told from the perspective of 15-year-old Hannah, and Aaron, the new boy at school. This smart and funny novel stays with the reader long after it’s finished, and deals with what happens when Hannah gets pregnant, and Aaron, despite not being the father offers to be the ‘pretend dad’. With great dialogue, beautifully portrayed relationships, not only between young people, but also between parents and children, this is a phenomenal read.
Nursery & Pre-School Headteacher: Ms Danielle Boder Cert. Ed. AETC Deputy/SENCO: Mrs Michelle Peters B.Ed (Hons)
BUSHEY GAN offers your children aged 2 to rising 5 a warm, friendly, stimulating and safe environment in which to play, learn and develop. We are proud to be a double outstanding nursery school with caring, qualified and experienced staff. We offer an outstanding secular and Jewish education as well as a large outdoor play area with safety flooring. Opening Hours – Term Time Monday, Wednesday & Thursday: 9:30am - 3pm Tuesday & Friday: 9:30am – 12:30pm Lunch Club – Milky meals Free places for 3 & 4 year olds | Nursery Vouchers accepted Visit our website: www.busheyganim.org.uk to register for September 2016 onwards Call or email to book a visit (ID required) 177-189 Sparrows Herne, Bushey, Hertfordshire, WD23 1AJ Email: head@busheyganim.org • Tel: 020 8386 1515 • Mob: 07733 068358
Wolfson Hillel Primary School is a thriving United Synagogue school in Southgate, London. Ofsted said “Pupils are proud of their school and get on very well together. As a result, the school is a very harmonious community. From the time they enter the school in the Early Years Foundation Stage, children become confident and eager learners. In lessons, pupils show good attitudes to learning and respond well to their teachers…pupils achieve well to reach standards in English and mathematics that are well above average by the time they leave.” Parents’ views “Our school has been transformed by a dynamic Head who has put in place strong leadership teams & clear strategies to support the individual learning journey of each and every child, allowing them to flourish. The new school curriculum has allowed for some hugely creative teaching where all children are engaged. We are so proud that we and our children are part of this thriving school community.”
We will be holding open mornings for prospective parents on 16/6, 11/10, 17/11, 7/12 at 9.30a.m. Please contact the Admissions Manager on 020 8882 6487 to book a place or if you are unable to make these dates to book an appointment.
www.wolfsonhillel.enfield.sch.uk
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The Jewish News 19 May 2016
www.jewishnews.co.uk
EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT
Writings off the wall If the ‘h’ looks more like an ‘n’ and the ‘f’ resembles an ‘s’, it’s time to improve your child’s penmanship – and Debra Barnes has a helpful recommendation
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ast week, I received a handwritten note in the to handwrite the covering letter for a job applicapost from a cousin thanking me for a tion, but the advice today is that only the lovely Seder. My first reaction was signature should be written by hand. ‘how very unnecessary’ but that soon So what do we need handwriting changed to ‘how very old-fashioned for these days and how imporand lovely’; after all, the seder had tant is it that we teach our chiltaken me two days to prepare and dren good handwriting skills? one day to clean up afterwards, Surely they don’t need to twirl so it was nice to know that my their ‘y’ once they can find it hard work had been appreciated. on their computer keyboard? Yesterday evening, I received my Handwriting specialist Lee first emailed thank you note for a Dein thinks that it is very imporbatmitzvah present. My first reaction tant. “ It is a life skill in fact,” was ‘how very modern/economical/ she says. “Speaking and listening ecological’, but that soon changed to ‘how are perhaps the more obvious methvery impersonal’ and I felt a bit sad that this ods of communication, but writing is Lee Dein was probably the way forward. equally important. Neat, legible handIt doesn’t seem that long ago when it was essential writing increases self-confidence and self-esteem AS SEEN ON
CREATE BUILD CODE GAME
and creates a positive impression. As a speech therapist who has taught many children the art of good speaking, I believe pupils should also be taught the art of clear, legible handwriting.” Inspired by her experiences as a speech and language therapist, working with dyslexic chidren, and as a parent of four – all JFS pupils – Lee recognised an urgent need for a simple and logical handwriting programme and created the Magic Link Handwriting Programme. “One day, a mother asked me to only teach her child handwriting,” Lee explains. “I invented this method purely through ‘seeing the obvious’. For example, the first step teaches the child how to hold a pencil correctly. This came about as most children have the most shocking pencil grip! The next step teaches letter heights – again, this felt obvious as so many pupils had letters which were all the same size, making it difficult to make out whether they were writing an ‘n’ or an ‘h’, a ‘d’ or an ‘a’.” According to Lee, children with neat and legible handwriting appear more confident, happier, enjoy writing tasks and achieve better marks at school. “I have many referrals from tutors who report that pupils who have been on my handwriting programme are all offered places in the school of their choice. I’ve also noticed a definite link between good handwriting and an improvement in spelling, because children are able to proofread what they write and spot their own mistakes and self-correct.” Lee was recently able to help a seven-year-old
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01628 621216 Before and after: Lee’s handwriting results
child who was receiving occupational therapy and whose headteacher was advising that he be sent to another school with a special needs unit. “He had awful illegible handwriting,” recalls Lee. “But after six weeks on my programme, his handwriting is now one of the best in his class and he has just been reassessed as being ‘highly intelligent’ and the school are happy for him to stay where he is. “It has been a joy seeing his increased confidence and self-esteem and his parents are delighted. They knew all along that their son was bright and this is now reflected in his handwriting. His life has taken on a completely new direction and he has a bright future ahead. It has been incredibly satisfying for me to be a part of this.” Of course, many adults also have bad handwriting, such as doctors who are notorious for their illegible scrawl, although Lee believes they aren’t the only culprits. “It is dentists, accountants and everyone else, too. The reason doctors are targeted is because they need to write prescriptions and their handwriting is ‘on show’. Many other professionals get away without handwriting and use computers so their lack of skills is hidden from view. I believe the reason people have bad handwriting is simply because it has never been taught in a clear, structured and logical way.” Lee’s Magic Link Handwriting method can be taught via a software programme, in private teaching groups or at school. • For more details, go to magiclinkhandwriting.com
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19 May 2016 The Jewish News
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The Sweet Tree of Knowledge Education is for everyone, but for those who face bigger challenges acquiring it, there’s specialist support
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or young people and adults with a learning disability, being supported to develop new skills and stay active as part of the local community can be a life-changing experience. This includes building confidence, reducing anxiety and stress, and overall helping to develop independence. Whether it is through entering further education, joining a group or class, or taking part in community-based activities, the benefits of learning, staying socially active and being connected with the community are great. But according to Sarah Taie, positive behaviour support and autism service manager at SweetTree Home Care Services, many families are unaware
of the opportunities and support services that are available to them. “SweetTree’s learning disabilities team provides the highest quality care and support possible at home and in the community for people with mild, moderate and severe learning disabilities,” says Sarah. “The team supports those with autism and differing behaviours following a positive behaviour support model. This person-centred approach uses proactive interventions and the teaching of new skills to replace negative behaviours.” The SweetTree model aims to improve quality of life for both service users and their families by helping to reduce social barriers, enabling individuals to lead a more active and fulfilling life. Sarah explains: “Supporting people to reach their full potential is a key aim of SweetTree’s learning disabilities service and we achieve it by helping clients to build their confidence and through the development of new skills, while overall supporting them to lead an active and fulfilling life. “As a team, we work hard to help signpost support services and opportunities to families. This includes offering advice on a range of issues, from further education and self-directed support, to voluntary work, supported employment, supported living, leisure activities, advocacy
and benefits advice.” SweetTree has strong links with the local community, enabling clients to access a wide variety of new experiences and learning. SweetTree Fields Farm is a care farm in north London that has been specially designed to create positive experiences within a safe, nurturing and social environment. It offers activities ranging from gardening and horticulture, to woodwork and animal care, suitable for people of all ages and abilities. The activities on offer are a great way to develop new skills, while meeting new people and building confidence, all within a beautiful outdoor setting. SweetTree works closely with Jewish charity Kisharon, which provides innovative support for Jewish people with learning disabilities from age two and beyond through its nursery, school, college, adult day centres and supported living programme. Kisharon chief executive Bev Jacobson says: “Kisharon’s ethos mirrors SweetTree’s, as education is at the heart of all we do. We strive to provide equal opportunities so individuals can develop as much independence as possible and live fully inclusive community lives”. Sarah adds: “We know that it is generally not the learning disability that prevents people from taking on new challenges, or living more
independently, but the restrictions in the community surrounding them. Having specialist support can help overcome many of these issues and relieve any fears that families can have. “Helping families make the transition from school into adulthood, which can be a stressful and uncertain time, is just one of the ways we can help. Signposting services and providing enabling support that helps individuals to access further education and stay connected with their local community, is another.” • For more information about the support offered by SweetTree, call 020 7644 9554 or see sweettree.co.uk
Discover your potential in Immanuel College’s Sixth Form. A-levels offered in Drama, Photography, French, Spanish, Modern Hebrew, as well Maths, English and all sciences in teaching groups as small as 6. Experience the famous Jewish and Israel Education programmes and Poland Trip. Immanuel is in the top 3% of English schools for university entry. Scholarships up to 50% are available for talented candidates. We also have one or two places left in Reception in our expanding Preparatory School. For more information or to book a tour please contact Lynda Dullop, Director of Admissions: ldullop@immanuel.herts.sch.uk or 020 8955 8938
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The Jewish News 19 May 2016
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EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT
A nurserythat lives upto its name Brigit Grant went to see the little ones having fun at Nagila Pre-School T
here is nothing quite like painting the walls on a sunny morning. Dressed appropriately in their extremely cute full cover aprons adorned with smiley face stick men, some of the children at Nagila Pre-School were doing a great job of decorating the playground wall with water on their brushes. Meanwhile in the sandpit, a ‘sand/snow castle’ was under construction with the foreman – a little girl, naturally – encouraging her team to shovel more sand. Traditionally, Mondays are not that enjoyable, but for the children at Nagila it is just another day at a place they love to be. And they are happy to tell you so, because these pre-schoolers are very vocal about the things they like, right down to their favourite teachers. While the little ones may have their favourites, parents would be hard-pressed to single out anybody for special praise at Edgware & District Reform Synagogue Nursery because they are all friendly, warm and welcoming and, as manager Milissa Seiler points out, “look after the children as though they were their own”. And isn’t that what every Jewish mother wants to hear? With one teaching professional to every six children, the level of care exceeds expectation and nothing gets missed.
“We got ‘outstanding’ in our Ofsted report, which is always reassuring,” says Milissa, who has been at the nursery since 1998. “Confirmation that we are doing the right thing is always helpful, but we know we are offering a safe, secure and stimulating setting for our children.” Purpose-built with its own outdoor play area, there is enough space for multiple activities to take place at once so, while the group outside waterpainted and built castles, inside, paper Israel flags were being assembled with glue – which takes serious supervision. With letter and number work, computer skills, cooking and woodwork as part of their early-learning experience, Nagila pupils are ready for primary school, and parents who want their children to be faith-aware, appreciate the inclusion of Jewish festival and Shabbat celebrations. “Parents are also invited to join us for these occasions as we consider them to be our partners and the most important educators of their own children,” says Milissa who has places for 40 children at a nursery that truly lives up to its Hebrew name – Rejoice. • For more information, contact Milissa Seiler on 020 8238 1022
Electric Summer CAN YOUR SON CREATE incredible electronic worlds using T Flip-Flop switches and half-bath circuits? Does your daughter eat Bézier curves for breakfast and script with her eyes closed? If none of this makes any sense to you fear not, as many parents feel like they are trapped outside the Aldous Huxley-style brave new world their children inhabit. But parental technophobia doesn’t change the fact that after-school coding clubs have never been more popular and children as young as six are making their own Powerpoint presentations, which may give you a clue as to how
your kids might like to spend their summer. Not all six weeks of it, as family time is essential during the August hiatus but, at some point during the holidays, your children could be learning essential IT skills, along with animation and website design, 3D printing and drone coding at a FunTech Day Camp in Hampstead and at St Albans or Northwood. “As well as developing new academic and tech skills, our camps are also a fantastic opportunity to meet similar creative, ambitious young people,” explains FunTech’s Philip Barber, who could intrigue the most reticent computer-user with his enthusiasm for virtual reality technology. “It is also worth remembering parents often struggle to get their children off the computer to take a screen break and get some fresh air. With our tutors – who are some of the best in the country – day campers are encouraged to push boundaries on screen as they learn, but are also taken outside to nearby playing fields for ball games and general letting off steam.” Suffice it to say that each day is very well planned at these Ofsted-registered FunTech academies, which allow would-be technological masters (and mistresses) to get a head start in subjects that fascinate them. Remember that Minecraft Redstone, Game Pro with Oculus Rift and Java Coder may sound like characters from Star Wars to you,
aid and special educational needs.” Available for those aged six to 18, FunTech Camps will not only keep your children occupied in a way they will enjoy this summer but, when they go back to school, their computer and technology skills will be at a more advanced level. And, if they are willing to share some of what they have learnt at the end of each day, so will you. • To find out more about FunTech summer camps, visit: funtechsummercamps.com/camps, or call 01628 621215
but for the young people who share your house they are important. “We encourage parents to contact us if they need reassurance over any matter, or if they would like to simply discuss their children’s suitability for one of our classes,” says Philip. “FunTech has been trusted by thousands of parents to not only provide their children with a truly memorable teaching experience in the school holidays, but to do so in a safe and stimulating environment with tutors who are highly trained in their area of expertise, as well as in first
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19 May 2016 The Jewish News
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The Jewish News 19 May 2016
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EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT
Swimmingly Well Teaching kids to be confident in the water is essential, but where they learn also matters “I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT and I don’t mind the instructor being strict because my swimming has got better and better.” If Poolside Manor need a glowing reference, eight-year-old Kai would be the child to ask as he had his goggles down long before his lesson was due to start. “I was three when I had my first lesson... or was I four?” he asked his mother. Regardless of when his lessons commenced at the Finchley pool, he is now a veteran along with lots of other equally enthusiastic children who have lessons there. As my own daughter
day camps. The pool itself has an extended shallow end to build beginner confidence and the length is scaled by a purpose-built viewing gallery for spectators. Watching Madison improve her front crawl in a single session was certainly encouraging, but did she want to come back? “I’d like to do the crash course which is 30 minutes every day,” she said. I think we’ll be seeing a lot more of Poolside Manor.
Madison got to sample the teaching first hand, I can see how it has become London’s leading independent swimming tuition centre and the fact it’s a family-run business with long-serving staff is reassuring. “Maureen Lipman opened Poolside Manor in 1988,” says receptionist Sharon who has been there forever. “It’s a great place to work and we have so much going on.” And they do.From term-time tuition for children to swimming classes for parents & toddlers, adults and school groups of all abilities, there are also holiday crash courses, aquafit session and just to
Pondering a crash course at Poolside Manor
keep themselves busy, there’s the Multi-Actvity Camps for 3-11 year-olds held at neighbouring St Mary’s Primary School. “Our programmes are never the same as each week is themed differently,” explains Sharon. “They do everything - sports, craft and art, dance, drama, games and visiting performers come in.” The children also get to swim which gives it a big advantage over other holi-
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If your kids love the water make a birthday splash with a pool party followed by tea
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A Reel Education A UK Jewish Film initiative giving young people a chance to make movies and document history provided a unique opportunity. Brigit Grant spoke to the lucky participants
M
ICHAEL ITALIAANDER was five when he saw his first film. His parents took him to The Forester’s picturehouse nicknamed The Fair between Bow and Aldgate and together they sat on old benches and ate peanuts. Michael can’t remember exactly which film he saw, but his recollections of the cinemas that thrived in the area in 1928 are pin-sharp and he joyfully shares his big screen memories when a sixpence got you two features, a cartoon, a newsreel and full accompaniment on the Wurlitzer organ.
It is Michael’s recollections along with those of other elderly Jewish people that have been recorded for posterity as part of a unique UK Jewish Filmbased education project run in partnership with Jewish Care and supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Called Lights, Chutzpah, Action! which could be a mantra for the entire Jewish film business, the project offered young people the opportunity to research the involvement of British Jewry in film and cinema heritage in the UK and create their own short films about the findings. The group of young volunteers who got this whirlwind education in film making were from the Noam Masorti Youth Movement and their programme included research visits to the British Film Institute and The
Jewish Museum ; training in oral history skills; working with professional filmmakers; making short films and getting talks from professional journalists. Hilla Abramov, 25 from Hampstead Garden Suburb had just finished her Masters in Contemporary French Philosophy when she got a place on the programme and has only good things to say about it. “The mentors were all incredibly helpful and gave us practical insight into the film and editing process and we also got introduced to lots of different people in the business which was incredibly useful.” So useful that Hilla now has her first job as a runner on a TV documentary series and though Noah Libson is just doing A’ Levels at JFS, his experience on the project has also got him thinking about a career in film. “The part of LCA I enjoyed the most was the opportunity to use highly professional equipment and have the chance to develop film ideas and interview people,” says
Noah. “I feel like the experience has definitely enhanced my technical skills, and given me invaluable knowledge about film production.” Lights, Chutzpah, Action ! was a dream project for those who wanted to get a taste of the industry right down to a premiere, as that is how the films will be showcased in July at a celebratory screening event at The
The Troxy opened in 1933 with Kin g Kong Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley. “This was an incredible project and the group have made some really cool films,” says Rachel Burns, Education Manager at UK Jewish Film. “Part of what they did included a fabulous heritage coach tour of cinemas from the East End to East Finchley visiting classic venues such as The Troxy. One of the young people’s films in fact focuses on two people’s memories of The Troxy. The funding for this has run for 10 months and in this sense has been a one off, but a key objective of UKJF’s education programme is to create better aware-
to oxy as it is r T e h t d n ...a
day
ness of British-Jewish heritage, looking at the diversity of the community, its history, origins, and contribution to British society.” UK Jewish Film’s Hackney Roots project (hackneyroots.org) produced a freely available online resource that is supported by workshops for schools, and they are developing other heritage project along these lines in other areas. “ With further funding, we would be delighted to continue collecting memories of Jewish film and cinema,” adds Rachel. “To broaden and deepen our knowledge and understanding still further is always our goal.” • The film interviews will also be hosted on a bespoke website with downloadable learning resources available to schools and youth groups. For more information see ukjewishfilm.org
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The Jewish News 19 May 2016
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EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT
What about us? Tired of bouncy castles, Brigit Grant decided to show her daughter more interesting ways A musical education at British Summertim to have fun and broaden her knowledge e
I
Madison Making Picasso fun for
have nothing but admiration for parents who spend hours at soft play centres but, for me, it was always perdition with inflatables. There is just something about those windowless enviroments with acoustics enhancing the screams of happy children that always made me want to slam my foot on the accelerator whenever I saw the sign to ClownTown or Kidzone. I didn’t, of course, as it is our duty as parents to give little ones time in germ-ridden ball pools, but for that sacrifice I made sure all other outings were adult as well as kid-friendly. This began with Marcel Duchamp at Tate Modern when my daughter was 18 months’ old. What she made of Dali and Picasso wasn’t easy to assess, but she loved crawling down the sloping floor of the Turbine Hall entrance and was welcomed into the members’ bar with her equally small friend, Poppy.
By the time she was two, she was at the Serpentine Gallery looking at paintings that did nothing for me either, but at three knew the ones she liked at The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition (13 June – 21 August). The Hampton Court Flower Show (5 – 10 July) has become a perennial for her as dad loves flowers and she can now name some in Latin, but not as confidently as she can list the hits of Earth, Wind & Fire. Music can unite children and adults like no other medium and, being considerably older than the parents of her nine-year-old friends, means we have taught our daughter to hum both Bowie and Bieber. This morning she was singing along to Carole King’s So Far Away, in preparation for British Summer Time’s Carole King concert in Hyde Park on 3 July. Performing her legendary Tapestry album in its entirety live for the first time is a monumental event for King’s fans, including my daughter who doesn’t like to
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Carole King and Stevie W onder
go to concerts unless she knows the repertoire. She also swots up on the singers’ backgrounds and was amazed to discover Carole is Jewish. “Lots of great songwriters are,” I said, to which she replied; “Wow, so Stevie Wonder is Jewish?” Prepping for Stevie’s BST Songs in the Key of Life concert at Hyde Park on 10 July is a big job for anyone, but with a line-up that includes Pharrell Williams and Corinne Bailey Rae, it’s going to be a concert we will all remember. “As good as Nile Rodgers and better than Tom Jones,” confirms my daughter who does go on primarily child-focused outings. Somewhere like Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne, which is the nearest place to home to see a snow leopard, tickle a tapir and Exhibition meet a meercat. With opportunities to shadow a zookeeper, have a jungle sleepover and take tea with the tigers, it certainly has the edge over coffee at soft play.
COMPETITION a pair of tickets to BST’s
1st June 2016 – 14th August 2016 only x x x x x
re with Madison Earth Wind and Fi
WI N CAROLE KING on 3 July 2016 a pair of tickets to BST’s WIN Take That on 9 July 2016 WI N
Terms and Condi ons apply Must be over 16 years of age Proof of student status will be required No freeze permi ed during 3 month period Last purchase date 14th August 2016
a family ticket for four to Paradise Wildlife Park
TO ENTER go to the competition page on Jewishnews.co.uk For more information on British Summer Time visit www.bst-hydepark.com
See RecepƟon for more details
Friday, 1 July – Massive Attack / Patti Smith Saturday, 2 July – Florence + The Machine / Kendrick Lamar / Jamie XX Sunday, 3 July – Carole King / Don Henley / Louise Goffin Friday, 8 July – Mumford & Sons / Alabama Shakes Saturday, 9 July – Take That / Olly Murs / Ella Eyre Sunday, 10 July – Stevie Wonder / Pharrell Williams / Corinne Bailey Rae
Contact ContactUs us
“As good as Nile Rodgers?”
For Paradise Wildlife Park, visit www.pwpark.com or call 01992 470490
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19 May 2016 The Jewish News
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Working mums Struggling to hold it all together? Michelle Melzack is the expert with solutions
I
t is one of the toughest deciand other craft activity, making sions a woman ever has to dental and doctor appointments; make. To stay at home with buying the shopping and running the “miracle” she has brought a home. It’s full on and one day into the world or return to work just dissolves into another. For all that many women do, and leave it with someone else? the feelings of guilt are more Not just any someone, as dotemotionally distressing than ing grandparents, DBS-checked they initially let on and they also childminders or a nursery are feel guilty for not always being available to care for babies. But able to cope and are mentally, with most women returning to emotionally and physically work out of necessity rather exhausted. Of course, there are than choice, the burden of guilt many hands-on dads too who for doing so is enormous and are able and happy to share the remains one of the most consis- Child expert Michelle Melzack load, but the guilt is more acute tent problems I deal with when in mothers as children tend to want more families ask for my help. And it isn’t surprising. Juggling full or part-time of mum’s attention. And that’s the rub. When work with getting the children up, washed, mum is at work, she feels guilty for not being dressed, fed and ready for childcare or school is with them and when she is, everything else that as exhausting as it reads and this labour intensive needs to be done impacts on the quality time pattern is a daily one, although to that she would she has to spend with them. And the children add the preparing of lunch she hasn’t had time to know it, which raises an entirely different set sort the night before; the helping with homework of issues.
THERE ARE SOME GOLDEN RULES
1
Always praise the positive behaviour and ignore the negative and don’t spend huge amounts of time going over why they shouldn’t do it. Choose your battles. If it’s not dangerous or life-threatening, don’t spend time with them telling them off.
2
Try not to get involved between the siblings arguing. Do use distraction techniques. Do tell them you don’t want to hear them arguing and walk away. Suggest a game to play. If you give your children choices and options, it will become a matter of course for you and for them. You will hear them take it to their relationships with their siblings or friends.
3
There will be times that they want whatever it is they want and no amount of negotiating will work. Don’t be hard on yourself or feel that you are doing something wrong. Just go with it. Lower your tone, too. Raising your voice becomes a competition as to who can scream louder; set the example.
4
If you know that one of your children wouldn’t enjoy a particular activity or play date, do not get drawn into doing it. You will set yourself and your child up for an aggravated couple of hours. It happens a lot and, if you can avoid it, do. Respecting your child has likes, dislikes and opinions will give you the conversation topics and build on the foundations of a solid relationship. What we are all trying our very best to achieve are well-balanced, respectful children with an optimistic personality and positive feelings of self-worth.
5
If something has happened and it’s important to you that you punish your child, do so, but keep the conversation brief. “What you did was really unacceptable and that behaviour will not be tolerated”. Don’t stand around to listen to the excuses. Give the child time out. However, after the punishment has been carried out, and you are reinforcing that the behaviour shouldn’t happen again, move on without giving the session any more thought. There should be one punishment per action. So if you were planning something, don’t cancel it if you have already punished the child. The same works with school; support the school’s action regarding the behaviour. Have a brief conversation about it; however, if the school has carried out a punishment, there is no need for you to do so, too.
6
We could all do with a helping hand sometimes. Mothers most of all. But it is worth remembering that children learn from what they see, not what they are told and a woman who is trying to do the best she can is a role model to admire. Think about that the next time you feel guilty.
Michelle Melzack, author of Charlie’s Cream Tea Child Behaviour Management michellemelzack@gmail.com
HOW TO COPE .... Our patience and tolerance levels are very low when we are in robotic mode. When the children start playing up, we have a tendency not to deal with the behaviour straight away because we are making allowances for not being there for them. So the nagging and whining behaviour gets the child what they are asking for, whatever it may be. As they grow older, they know how to press the buttons. Children use that against us because we find it too hard to be consistent. It’s easier to give in to them with whatever they are harassing us for. We also think they will love us more. My job is to tell mothers that they won’t! Working one parent off against the other is as old as time. Give children credit, they understand that mummy and daddy have to work in order to provide. This shows them self-worth, dedication, discipline, commitment and organisation skills, which children will need as a core value when they grow up.
WANT TO HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD? The Jewish News in partnership with the Union of Jewish Students (UJS) has a dedicated online student section and we are always looking for contributors. Whether you’re passionate about arts, science, culture, politics or anything in-between, we want to hear from you. For more information email natashaw@ujs.org.uk or jackm@thejngroup.com To find out more about UJS, visit www.ujs.org.uk
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The Jewish News 19 May 2016
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EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT
Fancy learning something new? Once the children are at school all day it is possible to go back to work, start your own business or learn a foreign language. Debbie Lightman meets the educators who make that happen
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F THE VERY THOUGHT of studying, triggers flashbacks involving unintelligible textbooks, yawn-inducing lectures and all-night, caffeine-assisted essay writing, then you’re not alone. For those of us who long ago, swapped our desk jobs for domesticity, the prospect of dusting off those cerebral cobwebs and going back to the books, can be daunting. However, there are a number of Jewish organisations out there, whose primary aim is to make learning accessible and fun, whatever your age or background. So whether you dream of pursuing a new career or simply fancy taking up a new hobby, there’s a course out there for YOU.
Back to work EMMA MAY, head of employment at Work Avenue – a Jewish charity based in Finchley, north London which empowers people to secure work or build a business – sees a huge number of women walk through their doors, wishing to work following a career break. “Women often consider working again when their youngest child starts primary or secondary school or when their children have completed their education,” explains Emma. “We also see many women who gave up a career to raise a family, but find themselves single again in their 40s or 50s. All these women need help rebuilding their confidence.” Emma and her team offer all their clients free, confidential, one to one careers advice. They also run a series of invaluable workshops, including sessions on job readiness, interview skills, transferable skills, networking skills and workplace skills. “Our workshops upskill a person in the field of employability,” says Emma, “we keep groups small, so people can have their questions addressed properly.” In addition, the charity has recently launched a series of one day Microsoft Office courses, with training in Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. Plus, later in the year the annual 'Women in the Workplace Conference' will take place, which will include talks and sessions on issues
Women come to Work Avenue hoping to find a way back into the work place after a career break
surrounding returning to work as well as starting a business. Together with careers advice, Emma’s team also find their clients work experience and are instrumental in placing them in permanent jobs. “People’s strengths typically lie in the skills they were exercising in their first career,” shares Emma. “However, there are people that retrain completely. I’ve seen lots of people requalify in caring careers from psychotherapy to chiropody. One client became a nurse, despite not having a medical background. It involves intensive study and you have to be focussed. There are costs involved, implications on your family and decisions about childcare. But it can definitely be done.” • For more information, visit theworkavenue.org.uk
sted rating, offers a one year SCITT (School Centred Initial Teaching Training) which combines study at LSJS with a placement in a high performing primary school or The School Direct
programme, where you’ll be paid to teach in the classroom while you learn. Becoming a teacher is far from easy, but LSJS’s communication and programme manager, Rabbi Yaacov Finn, has seen plenty of women with families successfully requalify. “We’ve seen women with children complete both types of courses. School Direct is aimed at people who have a few years post university experience in any career. The government created that scheme, for example, for accountants who want to retrain as maths teachers. The SCITT programme is also achievable. It is full on, but it works around the school holidays.” However, if you’re looking for something a little less intense, LSJS offer a fascinating selection of short adult education courses. From the popular Monday morning ‘Surprises from the Bookshelf’ Literature class to an evening course answering ‘Modern Jewish Questions,’ on everything from surrogacy to euthanasia, to a women’s ‘Midrasha Lunch and Learn’. “People choose to study with us because we’re known for the quality of our teachers and courses,” enthuses Rabbi Finn. “Plus all our lessons are conducted in an open and relaxed environment. Our range of courses really does interest a wide range of people. I would recommend them all.”
• For more information visit lsjs.ac.uk
Time for school IF YOU’VE always wanted to retrain as a teacher, it’s worth checking out the London School of Jewish Studies (LSJS) which offers two teacher training courses. The Hendon based institution, which has an Outstanding Of-
The ‘Women in the Workplace Conference’ builds confidence in those heading back to work
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Just for fun EVERY WEEK, more than 4000 people attend JW3’s vast array of classes. The North London Jewish Community Centre offers courses in every conceivable subject from current affairs to bike maintenance to Israeli self-defence, Krav Maga. JW3 programmer Will Jennings is among the team organising this season’s events. “One of the great things about our centre, is the opportunity it offers people to try new things,” he beams. “All our courses are great quality and topical, with fresh content. We value our visitors’ feedback, so we constantly introduce new classes, while remaining true to favourite, traditional offerings.” However, it’s not just the sessions themselves that have people returning time and time again. “It’s also about the friendships that develop in the classes,” reveals Will, “and, of course, the café!” Just a quick flick through the summer brochure,
19 May 2016 The Jewish News
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reveals language classes in French, Hebrew and Arabic – at all levels, at various times of the day. Or, if you prefer a more intensive course, there’s a two-week summer ulpan. Among the culinary classes, there’s a Baking Without Sugar workshop, with cookbook author Elbie Lebrecht, where you can discover how to create delicious sweet treats, without a dollop of guilt. Or you can unleash your artistic talents at JW3’s own art school. This July, for four consecutive days, practicing artists will teach screen printing, clay portraiture, hand-quilting and art book creation. “Give it a go!” advises Will, “If you’re not sure if you want to do a whole course then just sign up for a single class and see what it’s all about. Whatever your age, there’s no harm in trying new things.” • For more information visit jw3.org.uk
Classes at JW3 are available in everything from learning a language and selfdefence to cooking and quilting.
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The Jewish News 19 May 2016
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21% OF PEOPLE IN THE UK DON’T HAVE IT SKILLS
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C_Yheie\j E\ÑY[ 9ekhi[i When – Mondays from May to July Where – WE Hub, Finchley N3 Levels – Beginner, intermediate and advanced Costs – £60 per day £35 per day for Work Avenue clients To register your interest call Work Avenue on 020 8371 3280 or email reception@theworkavenue.org.uk www.theworkavenue.org.uk/itcourses Charity Number 1164762