Liberation and Freedom Workshop
We are extremely proud to announce our participation in the National Lottery Heritage Fund project ‘Liberation and Freedom‘ – a poignant Holocaust education workshop aimed at fostering understanding and remembrance among school students. Bridgewater was selected as one of 12 schools within Greater Manchester to be part of this powerful initiative.
Led by Hannah Goldstone, Chair of Yom HaShoah Manchester and granddaughter of Holocaust survivor, Martin Wertheim, along with Caroline Slifkin, an experienced Holocaust Educator specialising in teaching about the Holocaust through art, the workshop provided a unique and personal insight into the historical events.
A select group of Year 9 Bridgewater students had the privilege of hearing Hannah Goldstone share her personal memories of her grandfather, providing a first-hand account of pre-war Jewish life, the atrocities of the Holocaust and its aftermath. This personal narrative added a profound layer to the students’ understanding of the historical context.
Helping develop the students’ visual literacy, Caroline Slifkin delved into the use of art as a means of depicting the complex topic of liberation, exploring the perspectives of Holocaust survivors, liberators and official war artists. By integrating the arts into the educational experience, students were encouraged to express their thoughts and responses to the emotionally charged subject matter in a sensitive and creative manner.
The culmination of the workshop will be showcased at the Manchester Yom HaShoah event at the prestigious Bridgewater Hall on May 7th, 2024. The artwork created by Bridgewater School students will not only contribute to the broader conversation around Holocaust remembrance, but also stand as a testament to the power of education and artistic expression in fostering empathy and understanding.
Ms Hemmings, Head of Religious Studies, expressed the significance of the workshop, stating, “Holocaust education is a crucial component of our commitment to fostering empathy and understanding. The ‘Liberation and Freedom’ workshop provided our students with a unique and personal connection to this important chapter in history.”
