Clore Tikva, the pluralist primary in Redbridge, has been rated outstanding for Jewish studies - a grade higher than its previous inspection six years ago.
Teaching at the school, whose more than 400 pupils come from diverse backgrounds, including from other faiths, was “outstanding,” reported the Board of Deputies’ inspection service Pikuach.
“Pupils have excellent role models, both in the form of staff who model Tefillah (collective worship) and Bircat Hamazon (grace after meals), and in the older pupils themselves,” Pikuach said. “They are involved in leading tzedakah (charity) projects, care-home visits and reading with younger pupils.”
Jewish studies lessons enabled pupils “to connect with Judaism or their own faiths and participate in Jewish life”, inspiring pupils to deepen their spiritual development.
“Pupils throughout the school expressed to inspectors how they love their Jewish learning and older pupils expressed their intentions to continue their Jewish study into their next schools, regardless of whether or not it was a Jewish school they would be attending,” Pikuach said.
Their work was of high quality, the inspectors said, citing poems about freedom written for Passover.
Parents told Pikuach “they now practise aspects of Shabbat (Sabbath) or sing some prayers at home with their children as a direct result of the pupils’ enthusiasm”.
Children receive one designated Jewish studies lesson each week and two in Ivrit, as well as lessons where secular topics and Jewish studies are integrated. In one integrated class, pupils applied their Jewish knowledge to their class English book and the history topic of war.
Pupils were “exceptionally articulate about the spiritual lessons they learn”. When talking about the Seder song, Dayeinu, a pupil explained that “it is about being satisfied with what we have and not always being greedy for more. He gave the example that if God had given him family, but no friends, this would be enough for him, and he’d be grateful for it.”
In a session on Shavuot, when pupils discussed why the children of Israel had to wait 50 days to receive the Torah, one pupil felt “this could help to teach the people the important value of patience”.
Margot Buller, Clore Tikva’s head, said, “As an experienced headteacher with a 24-year tenure across various schools, I can confidently state that Clore Tikva is unlike any other educational institution I have had the privilege of leading. The incredible spirit of collaboration and support within our team and community is truly remarkable.”
The report reaffirmed “our dedication to inclusivity” as a core value, she said. “As a headteacher, I firmly believe that Pikuach holds greater significance than Ofsted, as it captures the heart and soul of our school and defines Clore Tikva's purpose.”
