The Board of Deputies have hosted a visit of officials of a leading examining board to three London Jewish schools to enable them to see Jewish education in action.
Education policy and projects manager Sara Perlmutter took officials of the AQA on a day-long visit to JCoSS, JFS and Hasmonean Boys and Girls Schools in order for them to develop a sense of the breadth and diversity of Jewish education and investigate how national curriculum subjects are taught within the ethos of these schools.
The officials, Gary Pollard and Andrew Holstead, attended classes and met students. They were also were served a kosher lunch at Hasmonean Boys. Teachers at all three schools explained about the ethos and religious character of the schools and the effect that this might have on questions set in exam papers.
Mr Pollard commented that the visit had been enlightening for the examiners; “The English team at AQA is keen to hear from a range of students and teachers that enter with us. Yesterday’s visit to a group of London Jewish schools was a positive example of such engagement. It was helpful to get feedback on both our current and new specifications. As such, we hope to maintain similar opportunities in future and look forward to building on what has so far been achieved.”
Clive Springham, the director of learning for English at Hasmonean, was also pleased with the visit. “The English Department at Hasmonean High School was delighted to have the opportunity to host a visit by senior representatives of English at AQA, and to share and discuss issues and opportunities arising from curriculum reform and the new specifications.