A selected number of our year 10 history learners were chosen to take part in an interactive session commemorating Kristallnacht in 1938. This session was facilitated virtually by Holocaust Education Trust, who invited Holocaust survivor Peter Summerfield to share his story.
The Holocaust Educational Trust is a British charity that aims to educate young people of every background about the Holocaust and the important lessons to be learned for today. One of the Trust's main achievements is ensuring that the Holocaust formed part of the National Curriculum for history.
| On November 9–10, 1938, Nazi leaders unleashed a series of pogroms against the Jewish population in Germany and recently incorporated territories. This event came to be called Kristallnacht (The Night of Broken Glass) because of the shattered glass that littered the streets after the vandalism and destruction of Jewish-owned businesses, synagogues, and homes. Holocaust Encyclopaedia |
The GCSE paper three history exam focuses on Weimar and Nazi Germany between 1919-1939. As well as studying this history in class, it is invaluable to hear a life account from Peter; who shared how his and his family’s life changed for people under Nazi control.
History teacher Sabrin shared that, ‘Learners engaged with the session really well it achieved its purpose by inspiring them to think about their individual responsibility as citizens who welcome others. Having taught this for 12 years in a row I learnt something new about Jewish life in Europe in 1933. There is always a fascinating and an inspiring tale through hardship.'
Learners engaged well throughout the session and were moved by the experiences Peter shared with them. They were also inspired by the way he spoke with hope and optimism despite the terrible things he has gone through. Learners also benefitted from an interactive Q&A at the end of the session.
Following on from this virtual visit, our history learners have been tasked to create and deliver a reflective presentation about both Peter’s experience and the Holocaust to their classmates.
