by Domonic Townsend at Nottingham University Samworth Academy

“I am proud to share with my fellow alumni my brand new and permanent Holocaust reception display at Nottingham University Samworth Academy. Building upon my successes in achieving Quality Mark Status last year, I wanted to create a true statement of intent in the field of Holocaust education. Standing three metres high and 14 metres wide, the display has a visual and educational impact upon every visitor who passes through our doors. 

Formed of a mission statement and historical when you first encounter it, visitors and pupils are encouraged to pick up the misconception busting activities based on the UCL survey, in addition to activities designed to engage people with the timeline with thought provoking questions, located in a holder on the wall. The second section celebrates the birth and legacy of the wonderful 45 Aid Society, engaging the users with the Memory Quilts and books available to study and read, with plans in place for art-based collaborations in the future. The final section celebrates our work in relation to the Holocaust in addition to an iPad to teach visitors about our Holocaust BSL signs work among other educational videos.

I am also in the process of creating Subject specific A1 posters to accompany the display and provide inspiration to pupils in a cross curricular way. These posters will form a key part of our scheme of work as well as a visually stimulating source of Holocaust education, while paying homage to many key Holocaust survivors.

The plan in the coming year is to invite all parents into the school for a Holocaust exhibition evening along with Holocaust survivors to teach our community about our incredible work as well as educating them on such a vital matter.

I am so proud to have collaborated with the 45 Aid Society and UCL on the project and cannot wait for the opportunities it will now provide to us as a Quality Mark Beacon School.”