London Summer Seminar 2010

London Summer Seminar 2010

In early August 2010, Facing History and Ourselves’ teachers from around the world gathered in London at a space generously donated by Deutsche Bank for a five day Holocaust and Human Behavior seminar to learn the content and methodology of Facing History. The 31 participants hailed from Britain, Northern Ireland, South Africa, Rwanda, Sweden, Mexico, and Israel. In addition to 20 teachers from nine schools in the UK, several participants were from other UK organizations, such as Faith Matters, St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace, and the West London Synagogue.

The seminar was incredibly rewarding. Here are some direct quotes from the participants:

This experience was invaluable. It has afforded me the opportunity to explore innovative and effective teaching strategies…I feel that it has also enhanced my belief in the very powerful and emotive impact that the study of history can have on young people and adults. I now want my future lessons to be even more emotionally challenging and contemporarily relevant to the young people I teach.  Teacher, Northern Ireland

I can’t wait to apply FHAO resources and strategies to the RE curriculum. The seminar has been life changing and reminded me of why I went into teaching in the first place.  Teacher, Woolwich Polytechnic School, Greenwich

It has made me think about classroom activities I use and consider increasing the opportunities for group discussion and reflection.  Teacher, Notre Dame School, London