A CLACKS school has been recognised for its good practice in Holocaust education at a recent special event.

Five schools across Scotland have been recognised for their good practice in Holocaust education at a special online event last Thursday, February 11.

Alva Academy was one of five schools across Scotland that were recognised, alongside Chryston High, Gryffe High, Mearns Castle High and Barrhead High School.

The initiative is delivered by Vision Schools Scotland, a partnership launched in 2017 between University of the West of Scotland (UWS) and the Holocaust Educational Trust, which is funded by the Association of Jewish Refugees and the Gordon Cook Foundation.

A Vision School is one committed to the view that learning about the Holocaust is a vital part of young people's education.

To receive the award, schools must demonstrate their existing commitment to the importance of Holocaust education and to developing teacher knowledge to ensure continued expertise in this subject matter.

The Programme embeds responsible citizenship at its core, a key principle of Scotland's Curriculum for Excellence, as it encourages effective and sustained school-based Holocaust Education.

The celebratory event was held at the Scottish Parliament and was hosted by Jackie Baillie MSP, the Deputy Leader of the Scottish Labour Party, alongside Jackson Carlaw MSP.

Guest speakers included John Swinney, deputy first minister and cabinet secretary for education and skills, as well as barrister and broadcaster Robert Rinder.

Speaking at the virtual award ceremony livestream, Mr Swinney said: "Alva Academy has capitalised on the interest of a number of staff members who were interested in teaching about the Holocaust and supported them to deliver effective Holocaust education to pupils.

"Alva Academy has embodied the principal of embedding Holocaust education across the curriculum by incorporating teaching and a number of subject areas.

"So many congratulations to Alva Academy."

Robert Rinder spoke about his experience in making the documentary My Family, The Holocaust and Me.

He said: "It is so important that the Holocaust is taught to, and understood by every generation, and that we all question how this took place – especially in Germany, which was one of the most advanced democracies at that time.

"For me it is especially important, as I have recently discovered new information about how my grandfather and his entire family were murdered.

"For humanity's sake, we cannot afford to forget what happened in the Holocaust."