LSJS celebrates 56 graduates across teacher training and Jewish education

The London School of Jewish Studies celebrated the achievements of 65 students at its annual graduation ceremony on Thursday 16 July, at a ceremony attended by around 250 family members, friends and supporters at Hampstead Garden Suburb.

Graduates from LSJS’s BA and MA programmes in Jewish Education, together with its teacher training programmes, were recognised for their academic achievements and their commitment to shaping the future of Jewish education.

Among those attending the ceremony were Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Rabbi Dr Raphael Zarum, Clare Harnden, deputy chief executive at South Farnham Educational Trust and advisor to the department for education, and Emma Hollis, head of the National Association of School Based Teacher Trainers.

Harnden told the group: “Whatever qualification you’re graduating with today, it’s not about the answers you’ve collected, but about developing the habit of asking questions. Stay curious. Be the person who always asks one more question.”

Head of initial teacher training Jonny Atkins added: “Give the children in your classroom the benefit of the doubt. Build relationships. Be kind. Be consistent. Everything else will fall into place.”

Speaking on behalf of the graduating teacher training cohort, one student said: “We’ve become not just teachers, but resilient, reflective and constantly learning professionals. Every week gave us the opportunity to step back from the intensity of school life, reflect on our practice and learn from one another. We supported each other through difficult days, and we’ll carry those lessons into every classroom.”