Remembering Together: Holocaust Memorial Day at the College

Today, Tuesday 27 January 2026, marks Holocaust Memorial Day. It is 81 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, and a moment for people around the world to pause, reflect, and remember the millions of lives lost or irreversibly changed by the Holocaust and by subsequent genocides.

At Swanmore College, this day is an important opportunity to stop and think carefully about the past, and about what it asks of us in the present. Over the course of this week, pupils will take part in assemblies and tutor time sessions linked to this year’s theme. These sessions are designed to provide a respectful and supportive space in which pupils can engage with these difficult histories thoughtfully and sensitively.

Why We Remember

Remembering is not only about looking back; it is about understanding our shared responsibility moving forward. As a school we place great importance on respect, inclusion, and the dignity of every individual.

Through learning about the Holocaust, pupils are encouraged to:

• Honour the victims by remembering the people behind the history — families, children, friends, and communities whose lives were destroyed by hatred and persecution.

• Challenge prejudice by recognising the real-world consequences of discrimination, dehumanisation, and antisemitism, both historically and today.

• Develop empathy by reflecting on the importance of standing alongside others and supporting a more compassionate society.

Education as Our Responsibility

As a Centre of Excellence, we believe that education plays a vital role in helping young people understand the world around them and their place within it. Learning about the Holocaust is part of educating the whole child — not only academically, but morally and socially.

By engaging honestly with the past, pupils are better equipped to grow into thoughtful, informed, and compassionate adults who value collaboration, understanding, and respect over division.

We encourage families to continue these conversations at home, working together with the College to support our pupils as they develop into empathetic and responsible citizens.