Over a hundred guests came together in person to celebrate the 2021 LSJS Graduation which took place on Tuesday. Many more guests watched the event take place live online, including all LSJS graduates who are based outside of the UK as well as Rabbi Dr Raphael Zarum, Dean of LSJS who was struck by the “pingdemic” so delivered his address via Zoom.
59 students across the LSJS teacher training and degree programmes graduated after completing their studies during a very challenging period. Commenting on the difficulties faced by students over the past year LSJS Chief Executive, Joanne Greenaway, said “our teacher training trainees have had to deal with schools in the most challenging of times: bubbles, synchronous and asynchronous learning, periods of isolation, mental health repercussions. And that is not to mention the training year being, at the best of times, an exceedingly intense one”.
Kirsten Jowett, CEO of JCAT (Jewish Community Academy Trust) which runs the School Direct primary programme with LSJS said “After such a challenging year it was a privilege to join our Primary Schools Direct graduates in person to celebrate their achievements. We at JCAT wish them every success for their future”.
Avi Markiewicz, who graduated with a BA (Hons) Jewish Education and with Qualified Teacher Status via the Assessment Only teacher training programme, said “the degree has really helped me to develop the skills necessary in order to grow into a far better educator. The staff at LSJS went above and beyond in making sure that this wasn’t just an academic exercise but one the enabled me to genuinely grow in my personal development and steer me towards the realisation of my passions.”
Guest speaker at the event was Stuart Roden, Chairman of Unlocking Potential, who described the event as “an uplifting and joyous occasion - sending the graduates on their path to become important agents of change in society through their teaching of the next generation.”
To view the graduation programme online please click here.
