Our Summer Supporter Event, UK

The teachers and students from Heartlands High School, St Claudine's Catholic School for Girls and Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School gave us a masterclass in how a Facing History classroom works. Their thoughtful and insightful engagement with the materials was inspiring for everyone who attended.

We also heard from two amazing speakers: Mari, a Facing History teacher of more than 20 years and Abiola, a year 12 student soon to graduate. 

Mari’s first contact with Facing History was in 2001, when she attended a week-long “Holocaust and Human Behaviour” course. This, she says, changed her profoundly as a teacher.

“Before then, when people would ask ‘What do you teach?’ and I’d say ‘History’. That intense week began with me feeling my British identity so strongly amongst a group of Americans, and ended with me realising my responsibility as an educator. So, after that when people asked ‘What do you teach?’ I knew what the answer should be. ‘I teach children’.”

Abiola shared his experience of being taught Facing History content at his school and how Facing History’s approach is relevant in a range of lessons, including tutor time, history, religious studies and citizenship lessons. He explained how the resources prompt new discussions, and help students explore contrasting outlooks and fresh approaches. Additionally, he mentioned the positive impact of allowing students to write blog posts for Facing History.

“I think it is so important to address history and current affairs, and through that develop critical, transferable skills for life after school. I have enjoyed being encouraged to analyse information, evaluate different perspectives through the reflective process and form my own opinions more confidently. In an increasingly interconnected world, it is of paramount importance to be able to critically examine current affairs and mature our global awareness allowing us to become informed citizens who can positively contribute to a globalised world."

During the breakout classroom sessions the students and guests had a taster of our two latest resources: Discussing Contemporary Antisemitism in the Classroom and Discussing Contemporary Islamophobia in the Classroom. 

These units are designed to help students in the UK reflect on how antisemitism and Islamophobia manifest in contemporary society and what needs to be done to challenge them.

Young people are at the heart of our work. We're pleased to have given our supporters a taste of what Facing History means to the students and their teachers.

Hear from more students and teachers by following us on Instagram.

Your support is helping us build a more inclusive and empathetic society.