In the upcoming school year, we will offer 12th-grade students the opportunity to choose courses as part of the “The Human Lens – Electives in English”. These courses cover a variety of topics from different fields of knowledge and are offered as part of the mandatory English studies for the matriculation exams.
The courses will take place from Sukot until Hanuka during regular school English hours and will allow for in-depth and meaningful study on a range of subjects. The courses are an integral part of the preparation for the COBE (oral) exteral bagrut exam and the students will be assessed on the course work both orally and in writing. Participation in these courses is mandatory and the grade earned will constitute 30% of the matriculation grade as part of Module G .
We invite you to review the descriptions of the elective courses below.
Course selection will be made through the registration form – please select 3 courses, and you will be assigned to one of them.
Please note: Registration will be open until Sunday, 28/9. After that, placement will be based on available space.
AI: an indispensable tool?
To explore how AI is being used in a variety of fields, for example, pharmaceuticals, surgery, sports, dentistry, fashion, space exploration, teaching, defense and more.
Main Topics of Study – AI in: medicine, music, space exploration and, astronomy, cooking, sports, photography, defense, archaeology.
Teaching and Learning Methods – We’ll read articles, watch clips and TED Talks, perhaps read stories and watch a movie, and simply talk about AI and its applications nowadays.
Assessment Methods – Individual projects concerning a AI, which pupils will prepare and present.
Voices for Justice: Human Rights in Israel and the World
This course introduces students to the foundational principles of human rights, with a particular focus on how these principles are implemented and challenged both globally and within Israel. Through historical inquiry, legal analysis, and contemporary case studies, students will explore how power, justice, and individual agency shape human rights in society. They will reflect on their own values and responsibilities as citizens and emerging leaders in an interconnected world.
Main Topics of Study –
Week 1: Introduction to Human Rights – What Are They and Why Do They Matter?
Week 2: Power and Justice – Who Defines Rights and Who Enforces Them?
Week 3: Human Rights in Israel – History, Law, and Society
Week 4: Minority Rights in Israel – Citizenship, Identity, and Inclusion
Week 5: Gender, LGBTQ+, and Social Justice Movements
Week 6: Security vs. Civil Liberties – A Delicate Balance
Week 7: Global Human Rights Movements – Then and Now
Week 8: Taking Action – What Can You Do?
Teaching and Learning Methods – Case Studies for example: South Africa post-apartheid
The International Criminal Court Debates and discussions, reading, guest lecturers, films, excursions and frontal teaching.
Assessment Methods – Active participation and attendance, research project and oral presenation in class
Telling Israeli Narratives and Stories in English
This course will explore the significance of presenting and debating Israeli issues in English for international audiences, English as a tool for sharing our messages with the world, and the power of narrative and stories to shape conversations and build empathy. Students will be exposed to a diverse range of people who have been sharing Israeli perspectives with the world in English, especially during the past two years. The first part of the course will deal with public narratives while the second part will focus on personal storytelling.
Main Topics of Study – Public Diplomacy, “Information War”, Diverse Israeli Narratives, Personal Storytelling.
Teaching and Learning Methods – We will learn using newspaper articles and podcasts, and through guest lectures. We will study the methodology of story exchanges and participate an online story exchange with teens abroad.
Assessment Methods – Participation in class sessions and story exchanges, written responses to guest lectures, production and presentation of final assignment: a short audio or video story about Coming of Age in Israel in 2025.
Pills, Patents and Patients. A peek into the pharmaceutical industry
We will:
Take a look at what is behind the pills and medicine we are prescribed when ill.
Meet a graduate of Leyada who is CEO of a biotech company and visit the offices.
Learn about the phases in clinical trials and how long it takes to get the drug approved.
We will learn more from senior managers of pharmaceutical companies about drug development approval,marketing, product promotion and ethics.
In addition we will read and try to understand more and be exposed to some stories and anecdotes about life saving medications.
We will consider questions about what happens when the patent runs out and generics flood the market and how physicians decide which medication to prescribe while looking at the safety profile, efficacy and side effects of the drugs.
We will learn about the challenges of compliance with certain medications and issues of resistance.
Main Topics of Study –
– Background to the industry
– Drug Development from idea to molecule
– Clinical trials
– Approval and registration
– The marketing machine: Promotions and ethics
– What happens when the patent runs out and the generics flood the market?
Teaching and Learning Methods – Meeting the scientists and professionals from the industry ; visiting a biotech company founded by a graduate of Leyada, Hearing about the scope of the field and where it might lead you.
You will be required to attend all sessions, read a few articles, participate in discussion groups, debate ethical and moral dilemmas and consider how you might choose one aspect to explore and enable you to discuss in your oral bagrut.
Assessment Methods – Active participation and final presentation based on what caught your interest.
Image & Ink: The Transformation of Visual Art to Words
This course explores the art of ekphrasis – bringing visual art to life in words. Students will analyze classical examples of art and study the poetry, prose and songs these pieces have inspired. Students will engage with masterpieces from ancient to modern times, tracing their influence on Western culture. The works studied will span Ancient Greece and Rome, the European Renaissance, the Romantic and Modern eras, and the contemporary period. Through daily creative writing, active class discussion, and hands-on art projects, students will develop their own ekphrastic responses to visual and literary works. Students will also visit the Israel Museum for a guided tour in English and an Ekphrasis Workshop.
Main Topics of Study – Ekphrasis in Poetry, Song, and Film
Teaching and Learning Methods – Analysis of poems, songs and films, creative journal writing, individual and group art projects (painting, embroidery, etc.), guided tour of the Israel Museum in English, guest speakers and more.
Assessment Methods – Creative journal responses to all the pieces of art studied; Presentation of student selected artwork of an ekphrastic piece; Revision and presentation of portfolios of daily writings; Active participation in discussion and group work; Individual reflection.
Memoirs of leaving and becoming: transition for Ultra-Orthodoxy and other religious faiths
“Leaving Religion: Stories, Struggles, and New Beginnings” is a thought-provoking course that explores what it means to step away from tightly bound religious communities. Through stories, media, and discussion, students will examine daily life inside traditions like ultra-Orthodox Judaism, Mormonism, and Islam. The course encourages empathy and critical thinking as students consider the deeply personal and social reasons why individuals choose to leave these communities. Students will also explore the emotional, cultural, and practical challenges faced after leaving, including issues of identity, family, and belonging. By writing from multiple perspectives and engaging with real-life narratives, students will gain a deeper understanding of belief, choice, and the complexity of starting over.
Main Topics of Study –
Week 1 – Setting the Stage: We’ll begin by defining our class values of curiosity, empathy, and respect, then challenge our own assumptions about religion and leaving. You’ll try writing from the perspective of someone stepping out of a closed community.
Week 2 – Daily Life: Orthodox Judaism
Week 3 – Daily Life: Mormonism
Week 4 – Daily Life: Islam
Week 5 – Why People Leave
Week 6 – Life After Leaving I
Week 7 – Life After Leaving II
Week 8 – Finding a New Self
Teaching and Learning Methods – Case Studies, debates and discussions, reading, guest lecturers, films, excursions and frontal teaching.
Assessment Methods – Active participation and attendance in class sessions and story exchanges, written responses to guest lectures, production and presentation of final assignment.
Stage for Change: Using Drama to Build Empowered Communities
This English course explores how drama can be used as a powerful tool to create dialogue, promote empathy, and build stronger communities. Students will study key community theatre practitioners who used drama for activism and social change, analyzing plays rooted in real-life struggles. Through improvisation, group collaboration, and critical reflection, students will explore issues that affect their own communities and use drama techniques to respond creatively. The course culminates in the co-creation of an original play inspired by personal or shared challenges, designed to raise awareness and offer hope or guidance to others facing similar situations. Students will build confidence, empathy, and communication skills as they discover how theatre can inspire real-world change
Main Topics of Study –
Week 1: Introduction to Theatre for Social Change
Week 2: Key Practitioners – Augusto Boal & Theatre of the Oppressed
Week 3: Personal Storytelling & Empathy Building (play back theatre)
Week 4: Exploring Community Issues Through Improvisation
Week 5: Script Analysis – Plays Rooted in Real Struggles
Week 6: Devising the Original Play – Phase 1 (Content Creation)
Week 7: Devising the Original Play – Phase 2 (Refinement & Rehearsal)
Week 8: Final Performance & Reflection
Teaching and Learning Methods – Group discussions, observations, case and scene studies studies, reading of different plays, improvisation inspired by student stories and writing a short play with presentation.
Assessment Methods – Active participation and attendance in class sessions , written responses/ journal writing, production and presentation of final assignment (one scene play).