On 27 January, and throughout this week, our school has marked Holocaust Memorial Day, a nationally recognised day of remembrance. This forms part of our commitment to supporting pupils’ personal development, promoting respect and tolerance, and helping young people understand their responsibilities as citizens in modern Britain.
Holocaust Memorial Day remembers the six million Jewish people murdered during the Holocaust, as well as the victims of other genocides around the world. At an age-appropriate level, pupils have been encouraged to reflect on the consequences of prejudice, discrimination and hatred, and the importance of standing up for others.
Through assemblies and other activities, pupils have been able to:
- Develop historical understanding and empathy
- Reflect on the importance of respect, inclusion and equality
- Consider how language, attitudes and choices can affect others
- Strengthen their understanding of shared values such as tolerance and mutual respect
Sixth formers, studying A-level History, carefully planned and sensitively delivered our assemblies, with a focus on learning from history.
This work supports our wider curriculum and reinforces our school values by helping pupils to become thoughtful, informed and respectful members of society.
Year 9 - Anne Frank Trust webinar
Furthermore, six of our Y9 students had the opportunity to take in a webinar organised by the Anne Frank Trust to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.
During the webinar, students listened to testimony from Max Snidjers. Max was born in North Holland in 1929 and, until the end of the Second World War, survived Nazi persecution by hiding in several different locations. One of these was a farm owned by the Schouten family in Westerblokker in Netherlands, with whom Max and his family remain in contact with to this day.
Hearing Max’s testimony was a powerful and moving experience for our students, and a meaningful way to help them 'Bridge Generations', echoing this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day. The students were phenomenal throughout and represented the school brilliantly, clearly demonstrating our STRIVE values through their engagement and respect.
