CORE Arena Academy in Birmingham will mark Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) with a series of impactful events and activities designed to honour the memory of victims and survivors of the Holocaust.
In the lead-up to HMD, students at Arena Academy will engage in assemblies and classroom activities focused on the Holocaust. Holocaust Memorial Day takes place on the 27th. January, marking 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz and the end of the Second World War.
7 students from Arena Academy recently met King Charles at Buckingham Palace for a Holocaust memorial event. They performed several songs written by CORE school students for the King and Holocaust survivors.
These children will be leading the assemblies at the Arena Academy to mark HMD. This visit was part of the Echo Eternal project, which aims to commemorate the Holocaust through a commemorative arts, media and civic engagement project across schools. Lessons in history, English, and religious education will centre on its historical and moral lessons, and students will explore Holocaust-related literature during dedicated reading periods.
The week will also include a creative arts programme to encourage reflection. An art competition will invite students to interpret themes of remembrance, resilience, and hope, while a poetry competition launching simultaneously will give them a platform to express their thoughts and emotions.
Holocaust Memorial Day remembers the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, whilst also commemorating the millions more people murdered through the Nazi persecution of other groups and in the more recent genocides recognised by the UK government. As part of their commitment to remembrance, the school proudly unveiled a portrait of Holocaust survivor Marcel Anisfeld just before Christmas.
This striking artwork, displayed prominently within the school, celebrates Marcel’s story of resilience and serves as a lasting tribute to him and his family, who were invited to attend the unveiling. Mr Anisfeld died in 2023 aged 89. To further commemorate the day, the school plans to host a candle-lighting ceremony on Holocaust Memorial Day itself, where 80 pupils will write pledges and light candles.
Students will also have the opportunity to watch Holocaust documentaries during lunchtimes, with discussion prompt cards on tables to encourage meaningful conversations. Raj Mann, headteacher of CORE Arena Academy, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is a vital opportunity for our students to reflect on the lessons of the past and understand the importance of tolerance, compassion, and resilience.
“With several of our students having the honour of commemorating the Holocaust at the Palace this month, we felt it was vital that the gravitas and importance of that message was shared with our whole school community. Through these commemorations, we aim to inspire a new generation to stand against hatred and build a future rooted in hope.”
Through these activities, CORE Arena Academy aims to deepen understanding, inspire reflection, and promote a message of hope for the future.
