18 January, 2022
This lesson produced by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust looks at six occasions where British people took action to resist the persecution of Jewish people during the Holocaust.
This lesson explores the stories of British people who took risks and showed great courage and determination in order to save the lives of Jewish people during the Holocaust. Each have now been awarded a medal as a ‘British Hero of the Holocaust’ by the UK government.
This activity would work well for secondary school students (Key stage 3 and 4 or equivalent) with some basic background knowledge of the Nazi persecution of Jews in the 1930s and the Holocaust. It will help them to make the connection between the Holocaust and Britain during the Second World War, and explore the role of rescuers and resisters.
View and download the resource here
21 September, 2020
Brick Lane has been described by many as the ‘heartland’ of the Bangladeshi community in Britain, representing five decades of the struggle to belong and be recognised as part of the global city of London and the wider multicultural nation. Perhaps the most visible testament to this presence is ‘Banglatown’ – the short stretch of Bangladeshi-owned curry restaurants, cafés and other retail spaces that crowd the southern end of Brick Lane. The story of Bengali Brick Lane is a lens onto a vibrant but little-known history of the East End, of London, of Britain and its former empire – which is one strand in the tapestry of modern multicultural, post-imperial Britain. It is a story, too, of the street itself, and its iconic place within London and Britain’s history of migration.
10 September, 2020
It can be a struggle to answer the inevitable question: ‘Where are you from?’ when you’re not quite sure. A young woman of mixed heritage searches for an answer by looking back over three generations of her family. Documents, family stories and of course the British staple of tea and biscuits help her figure out a way to reply.
A personal look at questions of identity, at a time where migration, political isolation and reclaiming history are hot topics. Is it important to look to your own past in order to better respond to wider issues present today?
2 June, 2020
Talking about race, although hard, is necessary. This resource has been created by the Smithsonian for educators to help with opening a discussion about race. It looks at the historical foundations of race, being anti-racist and building a community, as well as providing the tools and guidance to explore this topic whether you are teaching infants, adults, or any age in between. There’s no quick or foolproof way to talk about the complexities of race. But, it’s a conversation we all need to have, no matter your race, background, education or experience. What and how the history of race in America is presented is an opportunity to engage in thoughtful, respectful, and productive conversations.