Holocaust Education Book Competition 

From April 6th, the Vision Schools Library Network is delighted to launch the second year of its successful book competition!

Last year, UWS's Vision Schools Scotland launched its first national competition for primary and secondary schools, offering a class set of Holocaust books to one primary and one secondary winner. Over 22 entries were received, with pupils and teachers responding creatively to the prompt: We will make the most of a class set of books on the Holocaust by…  

Entries showcased thoughtful, imaginative approaches and a deep commitment to meaningful Holocaust education.

Calderwood Lodge Primary and St. Ninian’s High School, Kirkintilloch were the winning schools for 2025!

Pupils, teachers, or whole classes are invited to respond to the following prompt in no more than 250 words:

We will make the most of a class set of books on the Holocaust by…

Entries should be emailed to: visionschools@uws.ac.uk

Here is some guidance: 

What Makes a Great Entry? 

Be creative & engaging 

  • Think of interesting and imaginative ideas
  • Go beyond just reading—how will you bring the books to life?

You could include: 

  • art or creative writing
  • debates or discussions
  • links to other subjects

Make it exciting and meaningful!  

Show Deep Thinking

  • explain why learning about the Holocaust matters 

And make connections to: 

  • challenging antisemitism
  • empathy and understanding others
  • the world we live in today

What lessons might we learn—and why are they important? 

Explain How You Will Use the Books (VERY IMPORTANT!) 

  • Be clear about what you will actually do with the books

For example: 

  • discuss important questions
  • share ideas with others
  • write reflections or learning journals
  • explore different viewpoints

Show how this will help you:

  • think more deeply
  • understand others
  • take action or share your learning

Don’t just say “we will read” - show what happens next! 

Top Tip 

The best answers explain: 

  • WHAT you will do
  • HOW you will do it
  • WHY it matters
  • Open to all primary and secondary schools in Scotland
  • Individual pupils, teachers, or entire classes may submit an entry
  • Entries are limited to a maximum of five per school

The winning entries, one primary and one secondary, will each receive a curated selection of age-appropriate fiction and non-fiction books up to the value of £250.

All entries must be submitted by 4pm on Friday 29 May 2026.

  • The competition is open to all primary and secondary schools in Scotland
  • Entries must be no more than 250 words and submitted by the deadline of Friday 29 May 2026
  • Submissions may be from individual pupils, teachers, or full classes
  • Entries should be original work and not copied from other sources
  • The judging panel’s decision is final
  • Winning schools will be notified by mid-June and must confirm their acceptance of the prize within two weeks
  • By entering, participants agree that their entries may be used for promotional or educational purposes (with appropriate credit)
  • The organisers reserve the right to modify or cancel the competition if necessary
  • Entries are limited to five per school
Last updated: 31/03/2026