A record number of schools across Scotland are to be awarded for good practice in Holocaust education, as teachers respond to rising concerns of antisemitism and misinformation.

Fifteen schools will receive Vision Schools Scotland awards this year – the highest number recognised in a single year since the programme began – reflecting increasing national engagement with Holocaust education at a time when antisemitism and misinformation remain pressing concerns across the UK and around the world.

Delivered by University of the West of Scotland in partnership with the Holocaust Educational Trust, Vision Schools Scotland supports educators to embed high-quality Holocaust education across Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence, helping young people develop critical thinking skills, empathy and an informed understanding of prejudice and discrimination in both historic and current contexts.

New evaluation data from participating schools demonstrates the programme’s impact on educators and school culture. Findings show that:

 

·       87.5% strongly agreed the programme had benefitted their school, with the remaining 12.5% agreeing

·       100% of schools reported changes to teaching practice as a direct result of engagement

·       75% of schools observed shifts in colleagues’ attitudes towards Holocaust education

·         87.5% said motivation to teach about the Holocaust had increased, with a further 12.5% strongly agreeing

·       100% of teachers strongly agreed that being part of Vision Schools Scotland had benefitted them personally

 

Seeing a record number of schools commit to meaningful Holocaust education by joining our programme is truly inspiring. This growth, together with our recent evaluation, reflects the profound impact Vision Schools Scotland has on teachers, students and schools. Due to an increase in antisemitism and misinformation, the need for this programme is greater than ever.  It is essential that young people learn to identify and challenge antisemitism and understand the consequences of prejudice and intolerance.

Founder and Director of Vision Schools Scotland, Dr Paula Cowan MBE

 

Among the schools receiving awards this year is St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School in East Kilbride, recognised for its sustained commitment to embedding Holocaust education across its curriculum and wider school community.

 

The Visions Schools Scotland programme offers the opportunity for our staff to engage in high-quality professional learning opportunities which then help to enhance our curriculum. Vision Schools also continues to support our education about the atrocities of the Holocaust and other acts of genocide for young people. As a school, with faith central to our mission, we recognise that to fulfil our aims of supporting our young people to make a positive difference to others through their acts, we need to educate our learners to understand, remember and learn from the Holocaust.

 

Barry Quinn, Head Teacher of St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School

 

 

The awards will be formally presented at a ceremony at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 26 February, where Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, will present awards to the fifteen schools recognised for excellence and innovation in Holocaust education.

Professor Miller said: “That a record number of schools are being recognised this year demonstrates the strength and growing influence of Vision Schools Scotland across the country.

“Through this initiative, educators are equipping young people with the knowledge and understanding needed to challenge discrimination in all its forms. UWS is proud to lead a programme that is supporting teachers, empowering pupils and contributing to a more informed and compassionate society.”

 

The schools receiving Vision Schools Scotland awards this year are:

·       Brannock High School, North Lanarkshire

·       Calderwood Lodge Primary School, East Renfrewshire

·       St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School, South Lanarkshire

·       West Calder High School, West Lothian

·       Inveralmond Community High School, West Lothian

·       Isobel Mair School, East Renfrewshire

·       Northfield Academy, Aberdeenshire

·       St Benedict’s High School, Renfrewshire

·       St Machar Academy, Aberdeen City

·       Westhill Academy, Aberdeenshire

·       Wishaw Academy Primary School, North Lanarkshire

·       Eastwood High School

·       Kirkcaldy High School

·       Leith Academy

·       Alford Academy

 

Vision Schools Scotland supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).