The Holocaust Educational Trust is a national charity that works with young people to educate them about the Holocaust and the persecution of Jewish people in Nazi Germany. As part of this project, students participated in a 2.5-hour immersive workshop using virtual reality technology, which allowed them to engage in a recorded conversation with a Holocaust survivor.

Through this innovative experience, students were able to explore historical settings, gain insight into the conditions of concentration camps, and engage with real-life survivor testimony. This opportunity helped to deepen students’ understanding of the Holocaust, building on the work they had recently completed in their Year 9 History unit on the Holocaust and the persecution of minority groups.

Students thoroughly enjoyed the session and were highly engaged throughout. They responded thoughtfully to all the questions posed to them, demonstrated excellent behaviour, and left the workshop having learnt a great deal.

Darsie, Year 9 student, said,

“It felt like we were really there – I could picture what life was like and it made me think a lot.”

Matilda added,

“Hearing a survivor’s story made the history we learn in class much more real and powerful.”

History teacher Miss Booth commented, “The students were outstanding in their focus and respect throughout the session. It’s a rare opportunity to experience history in such an immersive way, and they really got the most out of it.”

This valuable experience allowed students to engage with history in a meaningful and impactful way, supporting both their academic learning and personal understanding of this important period in history.