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Policy and practice of Holocaust education in Scotland

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Abstract

In contrast to the situation in England and Wales, Holocaust education in Scotland is not mandatory and is not delivered to every school student. Still, it is offered frequently. In this article we show how Scotland’s changing curriculum, the introduction of Holocaust Memorial Day, and the Lessons from Auschwitz Project have contributed to the growth of Holocaust education in Scotland over the last decade. We discuss the significance of each of these three factors, the impact of Holocaust education, and the inter-related nature of their practice with relevant references to the English equivalent. We further examine the role of Holocaust education at both the primary and secondary level, consider the challenges for Holocaust education in Scotland, and conclude that although large numbers of students in Scotland are currently engaging with Holocaust education, these three factors continue to play a vital role in its success.

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Notes

  1. This is the official term used by the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government; it applies to Occupational Travellers, New Travellers, and Travellers from other parts of Britain or from Europe whose origins may be Romani or Roma.

  2. The Holocaust Educational Trust works in schools and the wider community to raise awareness and understanding of the Holocaust and its modern-day lessons; it also organizes the Lessons from Auschwitz Project (LFAP).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of the West of Scotland, University Campus Ayr, Beech Grove, Ayr, KA8 0SR, Scotland, UK

    Paula Cowan

  2. University of Strathclyde, 76 Southbrae Drive, Glasgow, 13 1PP, Scotland, UK

    Henry Maitles

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  1. Paula Cowan
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  2. Henry Maitles
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Correspondence to Paula Cowan.

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Cowan, P., Maitles, H. Policy and practice of Holocaust education in Scotland. Prospects 40, 257–272 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11125-010-9151-9

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