JCoSS joins growing list of Jewish schools to teach Islam

JCoSS has become the latest Jewish secondary school in London to announce that its GCSE students will study Islam, after Immanuel College and JFS said they would do likewise.

Last month, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis called on Jewish schools to teach Islamic studies, after new government guidance suggested religious schools teach at least two religions.

Headteacher Patrick Moriarty said: “JCoSS as a pluralist Jewish school, independent of any religious authority, so while we were of course aware of the Chief Rabbi’s recommendation, we took our decision independently.”

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He added: “The conflict between Islam and Judaism is so prominent at present, and we see it as part of our duty to ensure students have an informed view of the history and theology of this major world faith.”

Muslim educators will teach JCoSS students, he said, “to ensure they get an accurate and authentic education about this key part of world affairs”.

Last month, a spokesman for Mirvis said: “It is more important than ever that our children have a better understanding of Islam and that we build strong relationships with British Muslims.”