On a blustery Friday in May, the Hackney Roots Jewish Film competition reached its climax at the majestic Hackney Picture House. The second Exodus, transporting 187 Year 8 students from Barnet to Hackney – a task of near biblical proportions – was a synch and we arrived in a timely and orderly fashion. This was entirely thanks to the incredible support of the 21 JCoSS staff members who accompanied the students on this trip. We were joined at the cinema by a group of King Solomon High School students, against whom we were competing for the title of ‘Best Student-produced Short Film’

It was with great delight that I bore witness to two JCoSS students scooping the overall prizes: Hannah Kieve (8B) was awarded first place and Jacob Freedland (8R) second place. When their names were announced, the nervous rustling of sweet-packets that had been clearly audible throughout the opening speeches was immediately replaced with rapturous applause from both students and staff – a proud moment for us all.

Many thanks to Rachel Burns and Sam Pallis of Hackney Roots and Mrs Gelband of JCoSS for organising this trip, and credit to Miss Nathan for all the complements that I received regarding how well-behaved our students were. A resounding success!

Mr B De Jong