The Sixth Form Jewish Studies programme is referred to as Yahadut. The programme is exciting, dynamic and informative and stands out as one of the highlights of a student’s Yavneh experience.
With its blend of formal and informal Jewish education and its strong emphasis on social action projects, the programme ensures that Yavneh College students will graduate with learning skills and knowledge, as well as a passion for Judaism and a commitment to making a positive contribution to their community. All sixth form students follow our Yahadut course for two hours per week during Years 12 and 13, examining fundamental elements of Jewish life and Jewish living in the modern world. Students choose their courses each term enabling them to study a range of topics over the course of the sixth form. Yahadut lessons are supplemented with a range of interesting and varied guest speakers.
Jewish History
In Year 12 this course looks at Jewish life in Europe before the Holocaust and the vibrant Jewish life that existed. The course then focuses on how the Holocaust started and offers an in depth study of different aspects of the Holocaust such as resistance in the Holocaust, the role of women in the Holocaust and the righteous among the nations.
All students also take part in a detailed study of the Holocaust in preparation for the educational journey to Poland. Students look at life before the Holocaust as well as key elements of life during the Holocaust, including ghettos and camps. Using a combination of films, speakers and taught classes students receive an in depth knowledge of the Holocaust. On return from the trip, students learn about life post liberation and how Jewish life was rebuilt.
In Year 13 students are offered a course on life post liberation and the DP camps. This course examines how the post Holocaust generation rebuilt communities and found the strength to carry on. The course also focusses on the trials that took place for key Nazi perpetrators and explores difficult questions about good and evil.
Israel
Year 12 students are able to learn about the history of modern Israel. Starting with the Balfour Declaration students focus on the key events that led to the creation of the State of Israel in 1948. This course enables students to understand key individuals involved in modern Zionism and helps them to strengthen their own relationship with Israel.
Year 13 students are able to take part in an Israel course that focusses specifically on Israel on campus. As well as revisiting their knowledge of Israeli politics and socio-economic issues, students hear from campus focussed speakers including representatives from UJS and Stand with Us about how to be positive advocates for Israel in the next stage of their life.
Leadership
Year 12 students look at what it means to be a leader. Using modern examples as well as those from Jewish texts, students examine different leadership styles and qualities and consider their own leadership methods. Students have the opportunity to hear from a range of external speakers from different areas of leadership. Finally, students prepare and run a programme for the pupils of Yavneh Primary School allowing them to put what they have learnt into practice.
Year 13 students build on their previous leadership experience and explore leadership opportunities for the future. They hear from a range of speakers specifically involved in campus life and Jewish communal leadership and are given the chance to reflect on how they can be leaders in the next stage of their lives.
Ethics
Year 12 students look at modern ethical issues and consider the Jewish response to these issues. The course encourages discussions and debate and enables students to form their own ethical responses to the issues around them today.
Year 13 students look at the topic of medical ethics and learn the Jewish responses to these medical dilemmas. This course combines high level Jewish knowledge with medical knowledge and is particularly popular with science A-Level students.
Chesed in action
This course is run in conjunction with GIFT. Students learn about the value and importance of charity and kindness and Jewish sources related to these topics. As part of this course students take part in hands on kindness projects run in partnership with GIFT and have the opportunity to make a real difference.
Bet Midrash Track (BMT)
For those students intending to spend a period of time studying in a Yeshivah or Midrasha after leaving school our optional, and additional, Bet Midrash Track (BMT) for two hours per week during Years 12 and 13 offers essential preparation for success in Jewish learning at the highest level. BMT students are provided with a series of courses in Tanach, Gemara and Halakha to familiarise them with text and teachings and to develop and refine their Jewish learning skills. There is a chance to meet representatives from various Yeshivot and Midrashot and participate in a pre- gap Year Israel pilot trip, subject to demand.
