Although the 'introductory tour' is appropriate for the majority of students from the wider community, who may visit once during their school careers, some schools request alternatives which I present to you as possible strategies for your own students. I will share some unusual and interesting programs used for teaching about the Holocaust in some primary and high schools.

When young students (e.g.: senior primary) visit, the Museum tour focuses on the few glimpses of light in the bleak and tragic landscape of the Holocaust. The guides emphasise rescue, resistance and acts of courage. Students of this age can be introduced to the Holocaust at school through the story of Anne Frank or other literature. (To request lists of Holocaust literature for young students, go to Other Resources.) One of the most exciting programs of which I am aware is for Year 5 and taught by Tom Gough, of Glenwood Primary School. He has developed an integrated program for a full term's study, based on the life of Anne Frank. (You can contact Mr Gough at johnny_charisma@yahoo.com or P.O. Box 313 Casula NSW 2170.)

One Jewish school combines a Museum visit for Year 10 with the Jewish Communal Appeal's Living Historians program. The students follow the usual excursion program, guided by Museum guides. Then, after a break, they meet in small groups for a session with their own living historian (with whom they have had three previous sessions at school). Another school combines a tour with the screening of a relevant film, like "Schindler's List".

It is particularly significant for students to visit the Museum during Holocaust Awareness Week, which usually falls in May and when commemorations are observed.

The SJM Library and Resource Centre

The Museum's Library and Resource Centre serves as the research and study 'wing' of our institution. The centre initiates, encourages and stores research and other educational resources pertaining to the Holocaust and Australian Jewish History. It houses over 2500 volumes, pamphlets, newspaper clippings, testimonies and audio-visual materials, providing an essential service to academic researchers, teachers, students and the community at large.

From a Teacher Orientation Talk given in February 1998 by Eva Gertler, Coordinator of Volunteer Guides, Schools and Groups, Sydney Jewish Museum.

The Sydney Jewish Museum's website is at www.join.org.au/sydjmus/index.html

<Back