Speak Up, Speak Out from Holocaust Memorial Day Trust

ARCHIVE for HMD2011: Untold Stories

The case studies and related education resources for HMD2011, Untold Stories, have been archived. The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust is currently focusing on the theme for this year, Speak Up, Speak Out.

HMD 2011 Religious Education (Upper Secondary/Post 16)

Starter

Set the context and remind students that religious believers often think about ethical issues. Many feel that they have a duty to speak out when something isn’t right. Holocaust Memorial Day is a good time for students of Religious Education to think about how people of different faiths respond to prejudice and discrimination.

Ask students to tell you what they know about Nazi plans to create a master race. Try to discover whether they are aware of what happened to disabled people. Explain that many people do not know about the lives stolen from the disabled during this period in history. Introduce the first part of the case study Untold Stories of Stolen Lives Try to use your own words rather than reading from the text. Cover the information found in the first three paragraphs.

Explain that not everyone agreed with the Nazi theories you have outlined. Ask students to use their knowledge of religions they have studied to suggest arguments against prejudice and discrimination which would challenge the ideas put forward by the Nazi regime. Discuss these suggestions and note them on the board. Suggestions might include religious teachings on equality, the treatment of neighbours and responsibility to care for all members of society.

You can download the complete lesson plan below. Please don’t forget to order our free Campaign Pack which will assist you in your activities for HMD 2011. The pack contains free posters, a film, advice and hand out material.