Holocaust Education

The Holocaust Education

Heathmont College ensures that students in years 9 and 10 are taught about the Holocaust and its continuing significance, to both understand the historical event, and to tackle rising anti-Semitism, racism and prejudice in our schools and broader society.

Teaching and learning about the Holocaust is essential to enable every Victorian student to develop an understanding of anti-Semitism, racism and prejudice in both world history and contemporary society.

Holocaust Education occurs during Year 10 History as part of the Australia at War (1914-1945): World War II unit. Fours weeks is dedicated to the Holocaust, this includes a visit to the Holocaust Museum.

The relevant content description is from Levels 9 and 10 of the History curriculum:

Significant events, turning points of World War II and the nature of warfare, including the Holocaust and use of the atomic bomb (VCHHK147)

An audit of the complete curriculum will be the focus of 2022. As a result of this curriculum leaders will collaboratively determine additional opportunities for Holocaust Education from Years 7 – 12. These could include integrated units on racism or current affairs or an aspect of a home group or pastoral care program on human rights, vilification or respectful relationships.

8 characteristics of a quality Holocaust Education program are:

  1. Program is clearly and comprehensively aligned to the Victorian Curriculum: History.

  2. Program is logically sequenced and thematically rich and explores the significance of the Holocaust.

  3. The Holocaust is taught with all essential components.

  4. Program is factually accurate, rich in primary source material, and incorporates Victorian-specific content.

  5. Learning resources used are well designed and varied.

  6. Program has experiential components.

  7. Pedagogical choices enable deep learning, are sensitive to the particularities and complexities of the Holocaust, and are inclusive of diverse learners.

  8. Assessment opportunities are appropriate, varied and engaging.

The Holocaust Teaching and Learning Resources are available to all teachers

https://fuse.education.vic.gov.au/Pages/Holocaust

Curriculum Leaders and teachers will have the opportunity to participate in Professional Learning through Fuse

https://fuse.education.vic.gov.au/ResourcePackage/ByPin?pin=KTF8XK

Background Readings for Teachers are available through Fuse

https://fuse.education.vic.gov.au/ResourcePackage/ByPin?pin=7TDZYN