Kochavim

Kochavim (stars) is our supplementary education programme for children in Reception – Year 5. (Reception children are usually invited to join Kochavim after February half term, giving them time to settle into school before joining us.)

Kochavim takes place on Sunday mornings during term time, from 9.30am-12.15pm.

Children have three sessions of learning in the morning, one of Hebrew and two Jewish Studies options which they get to choose.  These could include Drama, cooking, music, sports, art and more.  

Living with Covid 

While restrictions have been lifted, we would still ask families attending Kochavim to bear the following in mind:

• If your child or a family member feels unwell, please don't attend in person activities, even if it's 'just a cold'.

• If your child tests positive for Covid, we would ask them not to attend until they've tested negative on two consecutive days following the 5-day isolation.

What is Kochavim all about?

The FRS Education team believe that learning about Judaism, and becoming a participating member of the Jewish community, doesn't happen simply by attending religion school once a week.

Our philosophy is that there are many ways to learn what it is to be Jewish, and many ways to express Judaism. Building a Jewish identity takes multiple inputs - synagogue services, attending religion school, being at a Jewish day school, and taking part in clubs, all work together to develop a young person's sense of being Jewish.

We have designed Kochavim so that your children can learn how to lead a Jewish life, whilst familiarising themselves with the community, and feeling as though they are part of it.

Kochavim is very far indeed from the old fashioned idea of 'cheder’. 

We run a sociable programme where we try to foster friendships and familiarity, whilst giving children a choice as to how they learn about Judaism – whether through arts and crafts, cooking, discussions or singing with others.

We are very proud of our teaching and learning of Hebrew; our children learn a basic Hebrew vocabulary, helping them to become successful Hebrew readers.

The Kochavim Vision

• To create a strong sense of Jewish community for children and families

• To make Judaism an integral part of our members' lives

• To make Jewish learning a life-long and enjoyable endeavour

How can you be involved?

Although it is your children attending Kochavim, by signing up to our system, you are a valuable part of it. There are several ways that you can be part of Kochavim; from doing security duty, to supporting your child with completing their Hebrew homework, to simply helping them choose their options for the forthcoming year.

Whatever way you choose, we want you to be partners in your child’s Jewish education.