Preparing to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, the Centre’s Dr Andy Pearce was joined in conversation by Robert Rinder MBE, to reflect upon the theme ‘Fragility of Freedom’.

In this shared audio to mark #HMD2024, Andy and Robert are joined by educationalist and specialist advisor/consultant, Mike Armiger, (which fleeting contribution by Nic Wetherall) to explore a range of themes: weaving something of Robert’s family heritage and experience regards the Holocaust, with some of the Centre’s materials, considering how research and challenging prevailing myths and misconceptions helped shaped his two-part BBC documentary series, ‘My Family, the Holocaust and Me’.

The conversation turns to consider duty of care, emotional literacy, mental health and wellbeing, and the importance of the Centre’s specialist CPD.

Robert reflects on his involvement with an innovative national school’s project conceived and developed by one of our own UCL Beacon Schools, Royal Wootton Bassett Academy (RWBA) ‘The Holocaust, Their Family, Me and Us’ #HtFMeUs, and upon his engagement with our Centre, his regard for teachers attempting to wrestle with this disturbing, challenging and complex Holocaust history in classrooms across the country and the significance of Holocaust Memorial Day.

* Colleagues from secondary schools, specialist or alternative provision settings interested in finding out more, or joining the #HtFMeUs project discussed, please contact Nic Wetherall.

** Special thanks to Beacon School QM alumnus, Mrs Charlotte Lane, for ongoing #HtFMeUs and ‘in conversation’ engagement and support.

*** Teachers may like to explore this or extracts from this conversation with students, perhaps as part of HMD2024 plans, or alongside use of our KS3, 4 or 5 HMD tutor time stimuli and resources.

**** Colleagues may like to learn more about the 45 Aid Society.