Spotlight on... UCS

The J-Soc at University College School, in Hampstead, is supported by UJIA JAMS, and runs weekly Jewish educational sessions, usually attended by 30 or so Jewish (and a few non-Jewish) pupils. Last term, they had a range of speakers, from Tsofim (Israeli Scouts) member Yoni talking about growing up in Israel to the charity WaterAid talking about their work. Their J-Soc chair, Ed Harris, reflects on the term just gone: "Last term's Jewish Society at University College School was a truly spectacular affair. Chaired by myself and my committee of organisers, it was bound to be a success. The UCS J-Soc aims to be as varied as possible in its content, to further the wider education of our pupils. Therefore sessions are open to the entire school, teachers and pupils alike, who attend on a regular basis. The society is firmly embedded in the school society 'line up' and has been particularly prominent in recent years.

This term we were delighted to welcome in a multitude of guests, from youth workers lecturing on current affairs, to Israelis and British war veterans sharing their experiences. Special mention should go to the 'Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women' who are always happy to send us hugely interesting and dedicated speakers who lecture on their experiences of World War Two. AJEX are a huge asset to the UJIA JAMS programme, and their lectures at UCS are among the most popular.

Jewish Society at UCS is now a weekly addition to the wider curriculum and the recent addition of the new 'J-Soc Extra' programme is evidence of its popularity and is a fantastic idea in order to get more pupils to benefit from UJIA's brilliant programme.

I would like to thank UJIA for supporting our J-Soc in recent years. The range of speakers on offer is truly outstanding, and the dedication of the UJIA JAMS professional staff has truly made my work as J-Soc chair a pleasure."