A Beacon School Journey: Empowering Student Voices Through Holocaust and Genocide Education
From Mel Read
At Oak Academy in Bournemouth, 2024–25 has been a transformative year as we proudly took part in the UCL Beacon School Programme for Holocaust Education, led by Mel Read, Curriculum Area Lead for Humanities. Working closely with SLT link and Beacon School alumnus Sara Singaguglia, we embedded Holocaust education into our wider school culture and founded Standing with Others, a student-led Genocide Awareness and Prevention Group.
Embedding Survivor Testimony and Commemoration
In October, students participated in a powerful collaborative event with Genocide80Twenty at Hampton School, interviewing two genocide survivors, Safet Vukalic (Bosnian genocide) and Sophie Masereka (the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda). These testimonies left a lasting impact on the students, who continued to reflect on them throughout the year.
Responding to Contemporary Challenges
In February, our students were interviewed by Channel 4 News as part of a national feature on the spread of conspiracy theories in schools—work that closely connected to the report by the Commission into Countering Online Conspiracies, for which our SLT link, Sara Singaguglia, is a commissioner. This provided a timely and meaningful link between historical education and modern misinformation. In March, members of Standing with Others met with local MP Jessica Toale to share their work and encourage her to join the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Prevention of Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity, advocating for education-led change at a policy level. Prize-Winning Innovation: The Standing with Others Storybook
The same week, they attended the Dora Love Prize Bournemouth Heat at Bournemouth University and heard the testimony of Holocaust survivor Yehuda Bacon, shared by his daughter Hanna White.
A highlight of our year was the development of the Standing with Others Storybook which was entered to the Dora Love Prize for which Oaks Academy students addressed local dignitaries including the Mayor and members of the Jewish community at Bournemouth’s Civic Centre.
They shared thoughtful reflections on remembrance and their vision for a better future. Created by students and aimed at primary-aged children, the storybook uses survivor narratives, reflective questions, and accessible language to explore themes of genocide, prejudice, and resilience. On May 20th, it was awarded the Dora Love Prize, recognising its creative and educational impact.
In July, the storybook was launched as part of our Year 6 Transition Day, where incoming students engaged with its content through guided readings and discussions led by our Year 8 and 9 pupils—introducing younger learners to the importance of remembrance and moral responsibility.
Looking Ahead
Our participation in the Beacon School Programme has empowered our students to become reflective, courageous advocates for genocide awareness and prevention. Through authentic engagement with testimony, creative educational outreach, and active civic participation, we are proud of what they have achieved—and excited to continue this vital work.
