On Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 January, 30 astute Year 9 historians from across all 5 tutor groups participated in OSH's annual 'Anne Frank – A history for today' exhibition. The Exhibition this year coincides with Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January, marking the event with remembrance and sobriety on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.
During two days of workshops, the historians were educated on the evils of prejudice, discrimination and intolerance as they studied Anne Frank's remarkable story from beginning to its tragic end. Working with the Anne Frank Trust UK, they learned the context behind the Nazi rise to power and the antisemitic changes that were brought in during the regime, as well as the escalation of persecution, leading to the eventual genocide of 6million European Jews.
All led through the study of Anne's story who, when writing her diary would have no idea of the cultural significance and impact it would have, plotted the events of her life from her 13th birthday to the Frank family’s eventual arrest and capture. This story, which has captured the hearts and minds of millions throughout the generations, serves to educate the Year 9s of the dangers of extremism and intolerance, made even more impactful as they are the same age Anne was when she wrote her now famous diary.
With the knowledge gathered, they then worked to impart their study onto other form groups across the school, and to parents, staff and visitors, who were invited to guided tours of the exhibition. This second half of their experience coached them to turn their knowledge into their own script to guide visitors around a museum exhibition, provided by the Anne Frank Trust UK.
Seeing the students in action during this event has proved how remarkable they are, turning themselves into knowledgeable experts with the confidence enough to deliver a robust and informative tour, first to their peers and then to their families. After school twilight sessions served to encourage students to extend their knowledge to their families and give them, and the governors and feoffees of OSH, an experience of the gripping Frank family story.
Commenting on the project, Mr. Harris says “Pupils worked incredibly hard throughout this experience, showing the typical OSH thirst for learning. I was very impressed with the thoughtful nature of their questions, showing a real engagement with the topic and context. One of the most impressive traits the students shared is their desire to impart their knowledge unto others and show off their extensive knowledge on the subject. I was pleased also to see how well they assumed the role of tour guides, showing confidence in delivery even from pupils who are naturally quieter in lessons. They spoke with eloquence and clarity and in respectful reverence.”
The twilight sessions were well attended by parents and staff showing a great degree of respect and engagement all round. The overwhelming positive feedback has been a real highlight, and it is clear evidence of why we engage with workshops and experiences like this.
On 27th January, using this exhibition OSH mark our respect and remembrance, whilst pledging to encourage students to be tolerant, respectful, but also speak out against the injustices they see.
Headmaster, Mr. Kilbride says, “A community like ours takes great care to emphasise the dignity that there is in difference, which on a day like today takes on a far deeper meaning.”