Holocaust Education’s Beacon Schools Programme

Park Lane is proud to have been selected as one of 20 schools across England to participate in an exciting opportunity to develop Holocaust Education within the school and the local community.

The Beacon School Programme is a flagship programme which aims to enhance provision and practice for Holocaust teaching and learning in schools.  Since 2012, the UCL ((University College London)  Centre for Holocaust Education’s Beacon Schools Programme has worked directly with 226 schools. These Beacon Schools become dynamic hubs serving a physical or virtual network of local schools and in partnership with the Centre, improve teaching standards, raise pupil achievement, strengthen SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural) provision, support wider school policies on safeguarding and inclusion, and encourage community and social cohesion.

Joining this programme means that the Humanities department, as well as all staff, will have the chance to deepen their historical knowledge and understanding of the Holocaust through a professional development CPD session provided by the prestigious UCL.

The programme aims to  improve teaching standards and raise pupil achievement. It will equip our staff with the ability to use research-informed approaches and employ teaching strategies that encourage students' independent thinking, benefiting not just the Holocaust curriculum, but other aspects of our students' education as well.

Furthermore, Miss Airey, the lead teacher for this programme, will be able to develop or refine the Holocaust Scheme of Learning for History. This includes two residential trips, where she will have the opportunity to collaborate with 20 other dedicated teachers, as well as professionals in the field of Holocaust studies.

It will equip the staff with the ability to use research-informed approaches to other aspects of the curriculum and employ teaching strategies that encourage students' independent thinking.

Most importantly, this designation means that our students will have access to new and engaging ways of learning about the Holocaust, which will undoubtedly enrich their educational experience. They may have the chance to explore the subject through various subjects, visits, trips, and memorial days, further solidifying their understanding and appreciation of this pivotal historical event.

Finally, the status of Beacon School for Holocaust Education will remain with Park Lane beyond the duration of the course, ensuring that our students continue to receive outstanding education on this subject for years to come