Year 9 Holocaust Survivor Session

Year 9 pupils at The Grange Academy welcomed Harry Kessler BEM: a Holocaust survivor, as part of a visit delivered by the Holocaust Educational Trust (HET).

The charity's mission is to ensure people of all backgrounds are educated about the Holocaust and its relevance today.

The Trust is known for its 'flagship Lessons from Auschwitz programme, which has enabled tens of thousands of young people to learn directly from the site of Auschwitz‑Birkenau.'

The feedback from Mr Mercer and Ms Kirby was that Year 9 pupils were outstanding throughout the event — listening with maturity, showing real respect, and engaging thoughtfully and sensitively during the Q&A.

Karen Pollock CBE, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said:

"The Holocaust Educational Trust educates and engages students from across the UK, from all communities about the Holocaust and there can be no better way than through the first-hand testimony of a survivor.

"Harry’s story is one of tremendous courage during horrific circumstances and by hearing his testimony, students had have the opportunity to learn where antisemitism and hatred can ultimately lead.

"At the Trust, we impart the history of the Holocaust to young people, to ensure that we honour the memory of those whose lives were lost and take forward the lessons taught by those who survived."

A massive well done to everyone involved at The Grange who helped make this a powerful learning experience for pupils.