Curriculum: What Do We Learn?
At LJFS we strive to have a rich and varied curriculum
At Leeds Jewish Free School, we believe that education should inspire curiosity, creativity and a lifelong love of learning. As a Modern Orthodox Jewish school, our curriculum is rooted in Jewish values, traditions and identity, while fully embracing the opportunities and challenges of contemporary British society. We are committed to nurturing knowledgeable, confident and compassionate young people who are proud of their Jewish heritage and equipped to make a positive contribution to the wider world.
Our rich and varied curriculum combines strong traditional academic pathways with a wide range of enrichment opportunities, ensuring that every student can discover and develop their unique talents. Grounded in the Department for Education's ambition for a broad, balanced and knowledge-rich curriculum, our students benefit from challenging classroom learning alongside leadership opportunities, educational visits, cultural experiences, community engagement and extracurricular activities. Jewish Studies and Religious Education play a central role in school life, helping students to develop a deep understanding of their faith, values and responsibilities, while encouraging thoughtful engagement with the diverse society in which they live.
This exciting blend of academic excellence, Jewish learning and personal enrichment enables our young people to thrive, achieve highly and leave LJFS as resilient, independent and principled individuals. We aspire for every student to become a lifelong learner, committed to Torah values, respectful of others, and fully prepared for the opportunities and challenges of modern life.
Our curriculum is meticulously crafted to ensure that students acquire essential knowledge and skills, preparing them for future educational and career opportunities. We emphasize the 3 I’s of OFSTED’s framework: Intent, Implementation, and Impact. Our intent is to provide a curriculum that is ambitious and inclusive, catering to the diverse needs of our students, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We implement this through engaging teaching methods and differentiated instruction, ensuring that all students can access and benefit from the curriculum. The impact is measured by students’ academic achievements and their readiness for the next stages of their education or career paths.
LJFS promotes a positive learning environment where students exhibit respect, responsibility, and resilience. Our curriculum supports the development of these attitudes by integrating social and emotional learning, fostering a culture of mutual respect and collaboration. We maintain high expectations for behaviour and provide a supportive framework to help students meet these standards, contributing to a safe and conducive learning environment.
We are committed to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared to contribute positively to society. Our curriculum includes opportunities for students to explore their interests and talents, develop critical thinking skills, and engage in community service. We emphasize the importance of character education, encouraging students to become responsible, ethical, and active citizens.
Our leadership team is dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation in curriculum design and delivery. We engage with stakeholders, including parents, students, and the community, to ensure our curriculum remains relevant and responsive to the needs of our learners. We prioritize professional development for our staff, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality education.
What subjects do we explore in our curriculum?
We have a wide and varied curriculum at LJFS, we ensure the curriculum offered at KS3 secures the progression in learning to KS4 and beyond.
We have a mixture of core subjects and Ebacc at KS4, students are encouraged to take a language and we offer for Science both the single science and combined science routes for students.