Star pupils unite to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day
The Star family’s shared commitment to challenge all forms of prejudice was reinforced on Holocaust Memorial Day as pupils and staff remembered those who have lost their lives to genocide.
The annual remembrance event is marked across the world on 27th January, in the hope that atrocities such as the Holocaust and other acts of persecution, are never repeated.
This year’s theme, ‘Ordinary People,’ highlighted how ordinary people were complicit in all aspects of the Holocaust and in genocides across the world – as perpetrators, bystanders, rescuers and witnesses – while also prompting us to consider how everyone today, not just those in power, can play a part in fighting all forms of prejudice.
Pupils learned about these important lessons through assemblies and talks. They also used their creative talents to communicate messages about challenging prejudice, standing up to hatred and speaking out against persecution.
Starbank School was among just three schools nationally given the honour of performing at one of the country’s most significant Holocaust memorial events. Primary pupils from the Birmingham school performed a spoken word poem to almost 500 people, including special guest, author and comedian, David Baddiel, at the Anne Frank Trust’s annual lunch in central London. Six pupils provided a rendition of ‘Dearest Anne,’ a piece they had written together with prominent poet Francesca Beard. They relayed their admiration of Anne Frank and how her lessons in fortitude positively affect their own lives.
Pupils in Years 3-6 at Thornbury Primary Leadership Academy showcased their creativity by writing messages explaining why it is important to respect others’ differences on flame shapes. The individual flames were brought together to create a powerful display illustrating the potential of young people to make the world a better place.
Many pupils represented their schools at local commemoration events, including those at Eden Boys’ Leadership Academy, Bradford. At a Holocaust Memorial Day event at Bradford City Hall, pupils read a poem and took part in a live debate around the ‘ordinary people’ theme. The event was attended by distinguished local delegates including the Lord Mayor of Bradford and Hanneke Dye, a Dutch survivor of the Holocaust.
Hearing from witnesses of the genocide during the Second World War formed an integral and poignant part of pupils’ learning. Highfield Leadership Academy participated in a live webcast hosted by the Holocaust Education Trust which featured Ruth Posner, who survived the Holocaust by escaping the Jewish ghetto in Warsaw, Poland, before becoming a famous actor and dancer in adult life. Year 9 pupils were moved by Ruth’s harrowing but inspiring tale which relayed the realities of the atrocity.
Holocaust Memorial Day also provides an opportunity to reflect on other genocides, including those that have occurred in more recent memory. Along with studying the persecution of Jews in Central and Eastern Europe, pupils at The Olive School, Bolton, researched the Bosnian genocide carried out by the Serbian armed forces in 1990s. Creating pieces of poetry based on their learning, pupils were reminded that the horror of ethnic cleansing is still possible in modern times.
Sir Mufti Hamid Patel CBE, Chief Executive of Star Academies, said:
“Holocaust Memorial Day is not only a time for reflection and mourning, but also a call to action. We must all take responsibility for ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten and that we work towards a world where genocide is a thing of the past.
“By educating ourselves, and the young people in Star schools about the dangers of hate and prejudice, we can make a positive impact on the world and honour the memory of those who were lost.”
Added By: Star Academies | Date Added: 27th Jan 2023 | Posted In: Latest News