Anne Frank Exhibition Brings The Past To The Present

Year 9 pupils have been guiding younger pupils through the story of Anne Frank as they use the exhibition which has been set up in school to highlight the dangers of intolerance and hatred.

Anne Frank Trust’s Lucy Allan spent time with the Year 9s at Priory who volunteered to teach the Anne Frank story to Year 7 & 8 pupils this week, as well as Year 6 pupils from Penwortham Primary School.

Teenager Anne was a German-born Jewish girl who kept a diary while she was hiding in an attic in Amsterdam during World War II and the Nazi persecution. Anne died in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp aged 15.

Lucy said: “We came in for two days and trained Year 9 tour guides about Anne’s life and its significance.

“This week they have told Anne’s story to Years 7 and 8 in order to help them learn from history. It’s to challenge any discrimination today so that history does not repeat itself.

“The pupils at Priory are always so keen to learn, the Year 9s were a great group who really impressed me with their public speaking and delivery. They were determined to get the message across.”

Year 9 Adele said: “It was emotional learning about Anne Frank’s story and knowing she was my age.

“The Year 7s and 8s were interested and were asking a lot of questions.”

Kaif said: “I learnt a lot about the Holocaust and what discrimination can lead to. It was our job to emphasise what happened and that it shouldn’t happen again.”

Amna added: “We were taught to deliver Anne’s story from the start to finish and I think the Year 7s and 8s found it interesting and wanted to learn from it.”

Lead teacher of History, Mr Eccles said,“I am incredibly proud of our Year 9 volunteers who supported the Anne Frank exhibition. We had over 40 pupils step forward, all eager to be involved, and it was a real challenge to narrow that down to just 20 places. Their maturity, empathy and commitment have been outstanding throughout. It’s inspiring to see so many young people wanting to make a positive difference by promoting respect, tolerance and understanding within our school community.

“The group will now have the opportunity to apply to become Anne Frank Trust Ambassadors, and I’m looking forward to sharing the application forms with them soon.”

Well done to: Loki Y, Kaif A, Amna M, Imogen K, Vivian O, Ada McM, Bella P-H, Alice W, Sandra B, Eva F, Ted Parker, Evelyn S, Adele M, Maci H, Areesha I-W, Alyssia H, Jack S, Ella R, Zach C.