Students getting creative as they create the identity passports for the programme, Dec 2024
At The Together Plan, we are proud to lead the way in an area of Holocaust education yet to be discovered through our compelling six-module programme, Making History Together. This unique initiative takes young learners and their parents on a powerful journey into the hidden history of Jewish Belarus, shedding light on the events between 1941 and 1945 and providing an age-appropriate introduction to the Holocaust and the Jews of the Soviet Union.
Initially conceived during the Covid pandemic as an online programme, Making History Together received such positive feedback that we reimagined it as an in-school programme. In 2023, we successfully ran our first in-school pilot at Yavneh College in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. Building on the lessons learned from this pilot, we have now launched a second-year pilot across 2024-2025 to refine and expand the programme further.
In November, Debra Brunner, the designer and co-creator of Making History Together, introduced the programme to seven Year 8 classes with fun, interactive, and thought-provoking sessions. These tasters were met with an enthusiastic response, resulting in 18 immediate sign-ups.
On December 11th, Debra and her team launched the first sessions of the programme with hands-on workshops that captivated the participants. Activities included:
- Arts and Crafts: Encouraging creativity while exploring historical themes.
- Identity Passports: Students created their own passports to understand the significance of identity.
- Risk-Trumps Game: A dynamic blend of Risk and Top Trumps that provided an engaging way to learn about shifting borders and geopolitical changes.
- Films and Discussions: Thought-provoking materials that sparked meaningful conversations.
There wasn’t a dull moment, and the sessions left a lasting impact on all involved.
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- Hats on! Learning about the longest tunnel escape of World War ll and the child partisan who hid his family photos in his hat. Dec 2024
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- Opening breakfast session with parents and students of Making History Together at Yavneh College, Dec 2024
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- Students getting creative as they create the identity passports for the programme, Dec 2024
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- The symbolism of a spoon! How it saved a life and how it can remind us to keep the world safe
As we continue into 2025, the programme promises to delve even deeper into hidden history, taking participants on a journey to the past to understand how to build a better future. Making History Together aims to provide young learners with a solid foundation for Holocaust education, exploring how the Final Solution was reached and examining the earlier solutions that led to Auschwitz—a crucial but often overlooked aspect of Holocaust history.
While the future of Making History Together is still unfolding, our goal is clear: to scale the programme so that more young people can access its rich materials and transformative insights. By equipping future generations with a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and its historical context, we hope to foster a more informed and empathetic society.
Join us on this meaningful journey as we uncover the hidden history of Jewish Belarus and empower young learners to shape a brighter future.
To find out about the Making History Together travelling exhibition – click here
To support the Making History Together education programme – click here