At this time of year, Year 6 pupils in primary schools all over the country are 'winding down', preparing for leaver's ceremonies and getting ready for the big move to secondary school. This was not the case for 27 Year 6 pupils from Northwest London Jewish Day School who just finished an exciting and innovative two week residency at LSJS, a centre which normally caters for adult learners and trainee teachers. The programme ran from 11th June to 22nd June 2012.

The idea was conceived by Rabbi Ronen Broder, the school's head of Jewish Studies in conjunction with Graham Morris, the head of the school's Va'ad Hachinuch. Rabbi Broder explained, "We really felt that that there was something missing in the Year 6 calendar and we thought that this would be a wonderful time to provide an Ulpan experience combined with some Jewish studies enrichment."

Rabbi Broder and his team appointed the Spiro Ark, renowned for its high teaching standards, to provide a stimulating daily four-hour Ivrit Programme which would run over a fortnight in order to stretch and enrich their pupils.

Nitza Spiro, director of Spiro Ark, rose to incredible challenge of providing a four hour daily Ulpan for primary school pupils by recruiting highly qualified teachers, including one who came over from Israel especially for the Ulpan. "My team and I spent endless hours preparing a creative and experiential programme for which we have received endless joy," said Spiro.
This joy was shared by pupils and parents alike. After the first week one child said, "I am so excited because I can't wait for next week." Another child added, "I have learnt a lot in the Ulpan and I will be able to use it."
One parent said, "We cannot thank you enough for enough for the effort you put into this amazing Ulpan. Our son came home every night with a big smile on his face and could not wait to tell us what he has learned."
Another parent added, "We are sad that it has only lasted two weeks. The time has flown by and our son loved every minute."

If any other schools or groups want to enjoy a similar experience please contact Nitza Spiro 0207 289 6321