Chief Rabbi addresses UCST/ULT Group Conference
17 March 2009
The Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks was guest of honour at the UCST/ULT Group Conference on Wednesday 11 March. The Chief Rabbi addressed the Heads, Principals and Governors of UCST schools and ULT academies, as well as invited guests, on the theme of ‘The Schools and Academies We Build Together’.
The Chief Rabbi’s address focused on the role of schools in shaping society and in promoting a sense of civic responsibility in pupils. Before speaking, the Chief Rabbi presented prizes to the winning students of the “I Am...” competition. The competition asked UCST and ULT students to write their own personal stories – specifically about the experiences and people they think have had the greatest influence on their lives. The Chief Rabbi was particularly moved by one twelve-year-old’s poem which said: "You have to say hello to be able to say goodbye."
Five young teachers at ULT academies and UCST schools gave presentations on “Education: the future”. Based on their expertise and experience of teaching their own subjects, the teachers showed how technology, languages, creative thinking, literacy and numeracy can be developed to give students the skills and knowledge they need to pursue successful careers.
Sir Ewan Harper, Chief Executive of UCST/ULT, said: “We were delighted that the Chief Rabbi was able to join us for this year’s Conference. His work in promoting cohesion and understanding between people of different faiths is an inspiration and serves as a shining example of what our school communities should aspire to be.
“The Chief Rabbi’s address reminded us of the important role schools play in promoting cohesion in society more widely. We want all our students to have a real awareness of the world they live in and to be committed to playing their part in society as responsible citizens. His use of the phrase ‘the dignity of difference’ has stayed with me."
