BARRHEAD High School has been rewarded for its efforts to help make sure the Holocaust is never forgotten.

It is among just 10 schools in Scotland to be awarded level one status for its lessons on the Second World War genocide of European Jews.

The award was presented by Vision Schools Scotland – a partnership between the University of the West of Scotland and the Holocaust Educational Trust –during a ceremony at the Scottish Parliament.

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

Barrhead High headteacher Andy Sinclair said: “We are delighted to have been presented with this award in recognition of our approach to Holocaust education.

“Much hard work has gone in across the school to ensure our pupils learn about this important period of history and we will continue to progress the experiences we provide in this area.”

Dr Paula Cowan, director of Vision Schools Scotland, congratulated the school on its achievement.

“We are so delighted that a growing number of schools from across Scotland are expressing an interest in receiving this award,” she said.

“We are currently working hard to present and facilitate CPD for teachers in these schools so that we can support their continued professional growth in Holocaust and Citizenship Education.”

Guest speaker at the ceremony was Barbara Winton, daughter and biographer of the late Sir Nicholas Winton.

In her speech, Mrs Winton told how her father organised the Czech and Slovak ‘kinder’ transports that rescued more than 600 children from the Nazi threat just months before the outbreak of the Second World War. 

She said: “The lesson of the Holocaust teaches us to stand up for decency, respect, tolerance, truth and love and fight against cruelty, intolerance, dishonesty, hatred and aggression.

“We can all do something to make a positive difference. Nothing is a failure if you do something.”

Mr Sinclair said it was “fantastic” to hear from Mrs Winton.

“She reiterated how important it is for us all to have an understanding of the Holocaust,” he added.