Holocaust survivor's story moves students to tears

Janine Webber visited the school to speak to year nine students.

They said it was a privilege to hear about her own experience as a child in the Holocaust and learn how she survived with the help of her friends and relatives.

Throughout the day, the year nine history ambassadors took part in a workshop.

Writing in a report afterwards, year-nine students Abbie Rayner-West, Grace Egerton, Ines Magano, Elizabeth Junor and Annabel Rose said: “We studied different areas of the Holocaust and explored topics such as the conditions in the concentration camps, the people who were affected by the Holocaust and the survivors’ personal experiences.”

Janine was presented with posters the students had created on their own chosen area of the Holocaust.

The students also worked in small groups to design a memorial, which was also presented to Janine.

The memorial represented the Holocaust and the emotions and feelings of the people affected.

Mrs Anna Ward, subject leader in history, said: “We were honoured to receive Janine Webber as our Holocaust speaker to our year nines.

“She shared with us her harrowing story and moved many to tears. It is always an emotional event and this year, our students outdid themselves with their maturity and manners.

“They were polite, respectful and Janine commented on how many thanked her and what a credit they were to the school. The ambassadors, chosen by teachers in recognition of their effort and enthusiasm, plus commitment to history, were superb all day.

“In this day and age, with the terrorism threat and the refugee crisis hitting the headlines, it is important to remember, more than ever, the need to treat people with respect and tolerance and to be aware of the dangers of being prejudiced. Janine’s story was a timely reminder of this.”

The students added: “The Holocaust Survivor Day helped us to realise just how tragic the Holocaust was and how something as horrific as the Holocaust shouldn’t ever happen again.”