Year 6 have started their topic of World War Two and welcomed Sam, from the Anne Frank Trust, on Monday and Tuesday. During the events children learnt about the Treaty of Versailles and the consequences Germany faced as a result of World War One. They went on to learn about how World War Two began and how Hitler showed prejudice by persecuting others, with a focus on the Holocaust. Within the workshop, the children learnt about the life of Anne Frank and they were able to identify the different concepts such as stereotyping, discrimination and also more complex ideas such as antisemitism. Through the workshop, children developed a greater understanding of how discrimination and antisemitism in particular was an attitude within other times in history, such as the Middle Ages.
Through studying Anne Frank, children were able to understand what her life was like before the threat of war, how, her life changed, significant events such as the Holocaust and how through her father’s survival, Anne’s words are shared world-wide through the diary that was written by Anne, as she hid with her family in the annexe, which was then published. Anne’s father went on to marry again after the war had ended. His then step-daughter, also a survivor of Auschwitz, is the founder of the Anne Frank Trust charity, who have worked so closely with the class to develop the children’s understanding of equality, justice, prejudice and demonstrate to them that they have a voice. Together they can make a difference and challenge the views of others to ensure equality and justice for all.
Year 6 have thoroughly enjoyed participating in this event and are looking forward to sharing what they have learnt within their class collective worship. The children and staff in Year 6 would like to thank the Anne Frank Trust for their contributions and helping to strengthen the views and understanding of events, concepts and attitudes around World War Two, the Holocaust and the attitudes of allies and axis of the times, concepts which are challenging and can cause a lot of strong emotions.
The children had the following to say about the experience:
“I really enjoyed debating about the big ideas and listening to what other people had to say.” Robin.
“I enjoyed learning about Anne Frank and what life was like for her in the past because I hadn’t heard of her until this workshop.” Esme.
“I really enjoyed learning about her experiences when she went into hiding and I think that other children would enjoy learning about this too.” Hayden-Luke.
“I really enjoyed learning about the history and how important the jam factory was to the family.” Bobby-Joe.
“I think it was really important for us to learn about prejudice and know how to challenge it.” Robin.
Children who have participated in the workshop are able to apply to become ambassadors for the Anne Frank Trust. Being an ambassador means that children will be able to strengthen their views, interact with people all around the world and campaign to be the voice for change and equality. Being an ambassador provides a wealth of experience, opportunities and skills including visits to some of the most significant sites linked to World War Two including the house of Anne Frank which has been made into a museum and Auschwitz.
To find out more about the Anne Frank Trust here’s the website:
www.annefrank.org.uk