It is a time for everyone to pause to remember the millions of people who have been murdered or whose lives have been changed beyond recognition during the Holocaust, Nazi persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. On Holocaust Memorial Day we can honour the survivors of these regimes and challenge ourselves to use the lessons of their experience to inform our lives today.
Highcliffe School takes very seriously the role of educating young people about the awful consequences of racism, prejudice and discrimination and seeks to help students understand that these problems are still at large in our world and need to be resisted. For Holocaust Memorial Day the History department (staff and students) have worked with Mrs Devlin to create our own exhibition in the Library to honour and remember those who lost their lives in the Holocaust and the few remaining survivors. The exhibition also focuses on this year’s theme of ‘Don’t stand by’ to understand the importance of doing something to help those who are persecuted.
The Year 7 students investigated what democratic rights were taken away from people during the Holocaust. Some Year 8 students completed research on the people that did not ‘stand by’ during the Holocaust and did something positive to reduce the impact and extent of the Nazi persecution. Year 13 History students created a display using a world map to draw attention to the fact that the Holocaust was not an isolated incident and that genocide continues to exist around the world – even today and that genocide does not just take place on its own. It is a steady process which can begin if discrimination, racism and hatred are not checked and prevented. Some classes were able to take part in a live webcast to hear the testimony of one of the last survivors if the Holocaust, Rudi Oppenheimer.
Many of us choose to stand by when there is something being done wrong, as this is easier and less risky than standing up to something that challenges our conscience. The last part of the exhibition is a wall for staff and students to write their own personal pledge, stating what they can do to help ensure that discrimination and genocide become a thing of the past. The exhibition will remain in the school library for several weeks to allow all staff and students the opportunity to try and remember the lessons that should have been learnt.
Owned by: LDN | Last Published: 23/03/2016 14:07:11 | Next Update: NA
© Copyright 2024 Highcliffe School. All Rights Reserved.
Highcliffe School is part of HISP Multi Academy Trust. Registered in England & Wales Number: 07562918
