Diocese of York / News & events / News

Last week Archbishop Holgate’s School marked Holocaust Memorial day in a number of ways. All week the morning reflective quotes in form time have focussed upon how we might live together more effectively as human beings. The longer afternoon tutor time collective worship for the whole school focussed on the meaning and history of Holocaust Memorial Day. It looked at some survivor stories and our role in making the world a better place and challenging injustice. On Tuesday the school was delighted to welcome a group of young actors from York St John University performing a specially commissioned piece of theatre which toured selected York secondary schools during the week. The piece by Creative Learning Partnerships, was a 20 minute performance presented to all students in Years 10 and 11. The words of Ibi Ginsburg, a Holocaust survivor from the Second World War, were used as a mechanism for remembrance and an understanding of our collective responsibility to stop prejudice and discrimination. The performance was followed by a one hour workshop delivered by York’s Human Rights City Network to a group of 30 year 11 students. The workshop explored the legacy that the Holocaust left on the world.

All the students were very moved by both events. Year 11 student Eve Battersby said: “The dialogue performed to Year 10 and 11 was emotionally intense, presenting the story in an interesting and thought provoking way which struck a chord in everybody’s hearts, showing the powerful message that can be taken from the event.

"A few of us participated in the workshop to discuss the importance of commemorating the Holocaust and our human rights. One resounding point that came from our discussions was not only that we should remember the Holocaust to honour those that lost their lives, but also that we should be more concerned in trying to stop these genocides occurring in less developed countries. Since, even though we may not think they affect us, it is our human duty to help each other. Furthermore, as a team of richer nations, the UN could potentially have the power and authority to stop events like the slaughter in Rwanda if we intervene peacefully.”

The workshop facilitators were very impressed by our students and said that they were the most articulate and socially aware of all the schools they’d visited.

Richard Nihill, Lay Chaplain at Archbishop Holgate’s School said, “We were delighted to be host the performance and workshop. It was a great opportunity to explore a pivotal historical event. This programme certainly supports us in creating a generation of citizens who will promote our school values of Justice and Compassion in both their local communities and the world.”