During the week beginning 6th February, special assemblies took place in order to mark the recent Holocaust Memorial Day.
These assemblies have been led by two S6 pupils who visited Auschwitz-Birkenau – the Nazi extermination camp in Poland. This trip, which took place in September, was part of a national study programme, with pupils from all over the country taking part.
Katie Fraser and Philip Caldecourt, both studying Advanced Higher History, gave an overview of life for Jews in Nazi Germany up to 1939, including the horrendous Nuremberg Laws of 1935 and ‘Kristallnacht’ in 1938. The presentation went on to explain to pupils about the atrocities of the Holocaust, citing some moving survivor stories.
The assembly came to a close with a video presentation made by the students which left a poignant and thoughtful message about the lessons modern day society can learn from the Holocaust. This included this years Holocaust Memorial Day message – “Speak Up, Speak Out”.
Katie and Philip will spend some time next week visiting four of Arbroath High School’s associate primary schools in order to spread this message of citizenship and to encourage those who speak out against racism and prejudice.
