The Jewish personal and spiritual development of children is paramount at Simon Marks Jewish primary school and underpins everything we do. This is embedded throughout our curriculum, our school values and moral ethos of the school. We hope that this page gives an impression of some of what we do to nurture this element of our pupil’s development:
- Our school behaviour code promotes kindness, respect, empathy and Justice (צדקה)
- Our Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah assemblies along with the morning tefilah promote Jewish morals in a way that makes them relevant and valued for pupils today.
- Celebratory whole school and class assemblies develop confidence and respect for others’ talents.
- A wide variety of themed events build an appreciation and understanding of both Jewish and British values (based on Torah teachings, proximity to Jewish festivals, or national initiatives e.g. Black History Month).
- Class trips and visits broaden our pupil’s perspective on the wider community including local cinemas, Jewish museums and Hackney museums, Synagogues and local places of interest.
- Visits from speakers and organisations offer opportunities to welcome new people into our school community and to hear new ideas including local councillors, guest authors and now include virtual visitors including pupils from other schools.
- Displays in and around the classrooms reflect Jewish and wider cultures while celebrating pupil achievements. These include inspirational quotes taken directly from influential rabbis as well as displays showing pupil’s gratitude and praise about the things that matter most to them.
- Links with another local school of a different faith (The Olive Primary School) help to strengthen pupils understanding of diversity within our community and helps strengthen and understand their own and other peoples identity.
