New Jèrriais Cross-Curricular Course Launched in Schools – Alentou d’Jèrri (Around Jersey)

A new cross-curricular course called ‘Alentou d’Jèrri’ (Around Jersey) is being launched this term, following the continued success of the Jèrriais programme in schools. 

The course - which has been matched to the aims and objectives of the Jersey curriculum and has been developed in collaboration with schools - aims to teach children about aspects of local history, geography, customs and traditions and how these are inextricably linked to the Jèrriais language. 

Initially, four primary schools will be taking part in the pilot project - Plat Douet, St Martin, St Mary and Bel Royal. 

This comes at an exciting time for the Jèrriais Teaching Service, which has recently employed three new teachers, and the plan is to offer the course to more primary schools in the future.

Charlie Le Maistre, one of the Jèrriais teachers and author of the scheme, said: “We are really excited at this opportunity to introduce some of the amazing traditions, stories and language that have helped to shape our island and have designed a scheme of work that we believe is exciting, stimulating and will lead to a dynamic learning experience for the children.”

The scheme will involve a wide spectrum of activities including art, storytelling, role play and music, alongside more traditional learning methods. It will involve the children doing some of the lessons at Jersey Heritage sites. 

The pilot programme consists of 10 sessions based around 5 key historic dates in Jersey’s past and will run for one term in one year group, with a view to expanding to different year groups and further schools should the pilot prove successful.

Karen Cooper, Deputy Headteacher at St Martin’s School, said: “Our Year 5 class at St. Martin's School is very much looking forward to engaging with this new and exciting Alentou d'Jèrri Scheme, which provides the opportunity for our children to further learn about our heritage and our Island.”