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| Broccoli |
I started teaching at the Urban Kibbutz school in October. It was a difficult start as the year was already well under way and the school is - how shall I put it? - Different. I spent the first few months in shock and not really getting the ethos of the place. I'll explain....
The Urban Kibbutz is a kibbutz in the city, in a suburb of the city actually. It was set up in the 1970s by a group of real kibbutznikim ('real' meaning from a real farm based kibbutz in the country). They moved into a poor city suburb with many social problems and combined community living with social initiatives to help the local population.
One of their ventures is a primary school open to everyone. The main themes of the school seem to be: Orthodox Jewish living, learning, and values; inclusion of all children; enriching and encouraging skills outside of the academic curriculum (especially music); and a connection with the land and nature.
So why was I in shock? First of all, when you emphasise 'inclusion' you have to include those children who for whatever reasons, don't fit into the regular school system as well as those who would excel anywhere. Because of the emphasis on extra-curricula activities, children are always missing classes for orchestra, choir, dance rehearsals, tending to the school pets, etc... Each class also has a nature walk of up to a few hours every month to celebrate the new month. As it's a kibbutz school, everyone contributes and everyone has a job. Some jobs need to be done during class time. For example there is a rota of 6th grade students to organise and distribute the hot lunches to each classroom which is done in the two periods before lunch. And, saving the best till last, there is the greenhouse and vegetable garden.
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| The green house is enormous with 3 fish ponds as well as auditorium seating. |
I'd seen the greenhouse from some of the classroom windows but I'd not realized the extent of it until this week when my 6th Grade boys were asked to put in some hours in the vegetable garden. Here are some more pictures.
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| The vegetable garden with the greenhouse behind it. |
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| 6th grade boys learning to use the pick axes. |
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| Freshly harvested cabbages. |
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| Onions |
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| 1st grade pupils working and learning about growing vegetables. |
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| This is celery (and my fingers). |
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| Red spring onions. |
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| 6th Grade boys working hard. |
It was the sort of day where you come away thinking that you really wanted to be a farmer.
That sounds awesome, and on some levels so much better than the school system over here. At least those pupils will leave with an appreciation for things and more skills than just sitting exams!
ReplyDeleteIt has it's very good points. You have to choose if you want this type of all-round experience or if you want to go for the academic approach. Most of our schools are similar to the UK system.
Delete*its :)
DeleteI really like the sound of that all-inclusive kibbutz school. Academia does not suit every child, yet I am convinced that every child has something to offer society and the world. It is the responsibility of all Governments and educators to find a way to let that talent shine. In my opinion...... xx
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, I totally agree. And I can't help thinking that we had it almost nailed when there were grammar schools and more skill orientated secondary schools. (And before the counter arguments come flowing in - I have a friend who failed his 11-plus and went on to become a lawyer after being at the secondary modern school for 5 years and then transferring to a grammar school for 6th form).
DeleteI don't know much about Kibbutz school but as an educator I appreciate a lot of what you mentioned here. I find it sad that so many values and skills got lost in our educational systems.
ReplyDeleteOne blogger once asked readers to design a curriculum including life skills as well as academic subjects. Turns our school should be a cross between school and scouts.
DeleteWow, I think this sounds frustrating and truly amazing in equal measure. I knwo I'd struggle as a teacher there too but as a parent I think the education those kids are getting is superb. Mich x
ReplyDeleteYes I struggle but I'm getting used to it. And I approve of it which helps. I don't know that I'd be that good as to let my own daughter go there though.
DeleteNice piece Rachel! Yes, it certainly takes time to get used to the kibbutz mentality - I've been working in the greenhouse since October, and am finally learning to just 'go with the flow.' I have the luxury of receiving the kids in the greenhouse and not having to impose discipline (not much anyway). It's amazing what plants and nature bring out of children. WE had a joint project going between our school (religious) and the secular one next door. At the beginning, the kids were shy and kept to themselves, but they had to work in mixed groups on research projects and gradually broke the ice. At the last session, I filmed what the children had to say about stereotypes. It was amazing to hear how the meeting had changed their views.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about that project. The more I learn about what's going on in the school the more I approve.
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