From Domonic Townsend
I write this summer newsletter piece full of warmth, joy and pride in the Holocaust educational work we have achieved at NUSA, especially in regard to #HtFMeUs. On Friday 5th July, I was honoured and humbled to be joined in person by Dr Nic Wetherall, Bernie Graham and virtually by Angela Cohen and Robert Rinder who had been unfortunately deterred from attending by our national treasures, the train drivers.
Uniting our Deaf pupils along with a mixed group of representatives from across Year 9 and Year 10, we proceeded to participate in a project day filled with so much intrigue, passion and inquisitiveness, that it turned into a day one will always remember. As always, the brilliant Nic Wetherall and Charlotte Lane conspired to produce a wonderful, themed day centred around the concept of ‘Beyond Walls’ empowering our young people and deaf community members to break down their own personal barriers in order to engage with vital Holocaust education work. Everyone involved took away moments that will live with them for a long time and will undoubtably inspire their own practices in future. Our pupils were honoured to be joined by Bernie, one of the most reflective and inspirational men I have met, who generously travelled a long distance in order to provide pupils with valuable insight and thought-provoking experiences. Furthermore, Angela and Robert also empowered our young deaf learners with their inspirational words and thoughts and feelings on the incredible work they have been doing to raise awareness for the deaf community during the Holocaust as well as their internationally important BSL work. This made the pupils immensely proud that they were contributing to such an important cause.
Throughout the day all pupils took part in a range of activities focused on the family stories of Bernie, Robert and Angela. These activities included Bio-Poems, Source Analysis, fun and interactive questioning, creating historical links and the beautiful reflection cards. A sample of work can be seen below.
Our project day was also a day of celebration and a symbolic opening of our Holocaust reception exhibition space and the unveiling of our new subject specific boards, which have been made possible by the kindness and generosity of the 45 Aid Society and Angela Cohen who have been proud supporters of our BSL work on the Holocaust. Our Holocaust display in reception was designed as a testament to the legacy and impact of our work and will remain an interactive space for many years to come. Encompassing a proud mission statement, Holocaust timeline, a tribute to The Boys, a story of our journey so far and international successes, an iPad to educate visitors and inspirational quotes. All of which are tied together through interactive tasks and digital media opportunities. Below are some images of our gracious guests visiting the display during our project session.
I am also proud to share with you my latest piece of work linking the stories of The Boys and the #HtFMeUs project to subjects and careers around school. Each A1 poster board proudly celebrates contributions made to society by each individual as well as sharing stories of their lives followed by thought provoking questions. These A1 posters are set to be placed on corridor walls across departments throughout our school in order to inspire pupils for years to come. Below are the boards for our beloved project families.
I am so proud of the legacy we are creating as a result of our project involvement and truly understand the power and impact of it upon our young learners who pass through our doors each day.
As I look to the future and welcome a new cohort of pupils into our project family, I look forward with excitement knowing that every year always brings a new approach, a new thought and a new range of feelings towards the incredible family stories we engage with.
I wish everyone a wonderful summer and look forward to seeing you on a zoom screen soon!
