‘One Million’: a poem by students from Healing Academy

With Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 on the horizon, many Beacon Schools are finalising a range of approaches to marking this year’s 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, and indeed the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia. Today we highlight one example of innovation at Healing Academy – who thanks to the leadership of Stephen Logan, vision and creativity of Mrs Wakefield, Rhya Houghton and Inga Greet – have curated a whole school opportunity to engage, with a literacy and creative, poetic focus.

Across 6-10 January, all year groups took part in a poetry event/workshop in preparation for Holocaust Memorial Day on 27th January. Students have watched films and learnt about what happened to the Jewish community and other marginalised groups during the period. They have been studying examples of Holocaust poetry and crafting their own poems. The outcome is a collective poem – One Million – that will be shared on Holocaust Memorial Day – the images taken, reveal the engagement and creativity within the school community and their commitment to Holocaust Teaching and Learning.

The above recording was kindly provided by Robert Rinder, MBE, reading the poem: One Million.

“The collective poem, created and curated at Healing Academy, is a bold and innovative response to Holocaust Memorial Day. To secure all students in every year group to have dedicated time to engage in a poetry workshop, reveals so much about the commitment of its leadership and values of the school community. It speaks to respect, empathy and inclusion, a recognition of the power of words and a regard for the history and human dignity. When you read the resulting ‘One Million’, it is clear learners engaged, understood, were inspired and empowered. When you see and hear Robert Rinder read it, memorial, commemoration and education combine, it is beautiful. Healing Academy – this is another courageous, creative and impactful step in your Beacon School work, you are true lights in the darkness, the Centre’s team could not be prouder to walk alongside you on this journey – each step you take is building strong foundations ‘for a better future.
Nicola Wetherall, MBE

“We are delighted that Healing Academy is part of the UCL Beacon School Programme. This provides pupils, colleagues and our community to engage in highly effective learning about Holocaust Education. This is demonstrated in our recent day of learning with all pupils involved in a poetry session for the Holocaust Memorial Day. Pupils produced excellent work that was creative, caring, kind and empathetic. This reflects our values of ambition, community and empower as well equipping our pupils with the knowledge, skills and understanding to safeguard our humanity, to educate about it is to prevent history from repeating itself.

“Holocaust education is not just about remembering the past, but about ensuring that the lessons of humanity, compassion, and tolerance guide our future. It’s our commitment at Healing and Harbour Leader Trust to prevent history’s darkest moments from repeating by our partnership as a Holocaust Beacon School. This reflects our values of ambition, nurture, community and empowering our young people to be the change.  We are very proud of this work and partnership.  Thank you Robert for your kindness and support in taking the time to read the poem which is incredibly moving.
Principal, Stephen Logan

 

“As we begin our journey as a school within the UCL Beacon Schools Program, let us use Holocaust Memorial Day as a solemn moment of remembrance. Through collaboration and the cultivation of kindness, let us equip ourselves with the skills to challenge prejudice and build a brighter future, ensuring that the lessons of the past guide our actions and shape a kinder, more just world.”
Teacher, Rhya Houghton

“Working on the whole school poem was a powerful experience. Studying Holocaust and genocide poetry helped us understand the importance of using our voices to speak out against injustice. Collaborating with our classmates to begin creating the poem was an amazing way to learn from each other and discover the strength that comes from working together.”
Student Voice – Jaya (Year 11)

 

Get involved

To share your HMD photos, short films, news with us email Nic Wetherall.