Pupils sow seeds of understanding

4:29pm Wednesday 2nd July 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

A Jewish school in Radlett played host last Thursday to pupils from different religious backgrounds in a bid to give students a greater understanding of other cultures.

Hertsmere Jewish Primary School (HJPS), in Watling Street, Radlett, welcomed 60 students aged nine and ten from Watford's Chater Junior School for a day of learning about diversity in modern Britain.

The children were first given a tour of Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue, in Croxdale Road, Borehamwood, where Rabbi Brawer showed them the religious scrolls and explained the history of Jewish places of worship.

Pupils from Chater Primary School, whose pupils speak a total of 39 languages, then joined those from HJPS for a special lunch on the school grounds and an afternoon of activities including team games, a blindfold trail, Israeli dancing and singing.

Florence Asher, deputy head of HJPS said: "We are aware, as a Jewish school, that our pupils do not often have the chance to meet children from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

"When the opportunity arose to host a visit from Chater, it was not to be missed."

Michele Bazak, the school's headteacher added: "This is the beginning of a move for all our children to have a better knowledge and understanding of different communities living locally.

"Both Chater Junior School and HJPS feel this has been a very positive experience and will sow the seeds for community cohesion in the future."