Holocaust memorial day
CTK hosts talks from Holocaust survivors
Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) is marked each year on 27th January – the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. On this day, schools, communities and faith groups across the UK join together in national and local events to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust and of even more recent genocides.
Deacon Javier, our Lay Chaplin, lead a Holocaust Memorial service at each site which staff and students attended. The service was extremely moving and highlighted the Nazi Persecution and the genocides that followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur, in the hope that there may be One Day in the future with no genocide.
We were privileged to host a talk with two holocaust survivors, Paul Sved and Ivan Shaw, who both have fascinating stories about their experiences as young children living in cities under Nazi control. Both speakers, now in their 80’s, gave up their time to speak to CTK lower sixth students as part of the Sixth Forms 10:10 programme. Their stories were extremely moving and highlighted the sadness in their childhood and their victimisation of Nazi persecution. The pair went on to give a recap of their oppression, the time spent away from their families as young children, the day they finally managed to escape Nazi occupation and how they remarkably went on to lead normal happy lives.
Our students were fascinated by their stories and amazed by the bravery of the survivors. One student said “The testimonies gave me a very harsh yet interesting insight into life during the Holocaust. We’ve heard from historians but not often the survivors and it allowed me to understand the atrocities that were taken upon the people of that time and helped me understand the misfortune they went through. Even with all his discomfort he prevailed and taught a valuable lesson on how two very different views can affect the whole of human history.” – Kanye Cross-Gordon, CTK St Mary’s student.
We would like to say a big thank you to the Holocaust Educational Trust for arranging this session with us and to the incredible guest speakers for sharing their memorable stories with us at this time.
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Tony ST MARY'S Grades achieved: A*A*BA Progressed to: University of Oxford Course: A Level Maths, Physics, Fine Art and Further Maths
“CTK has always encouraged me to aim high, which has led me to apply to the University of Oxford and I am so pleased to begin my studies there. ”
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Mauzi ST MARY'S Grades achieved: D*DD Progressed to: University of Manchester Course: BTEC Applied Science
“During my time at CTK I have enjoyed meeting various new people, whilst engaging in classroom activities and coursework. Additionally, my teachers have provided me with excellent support throughout my studies. I am now going on to study Pharmacy at University of Manchester, in the pursuit of becoming a Pharmacist. I can’t wait to start this new journey.”
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Precious ST MARY'S Grades achieved: D*D*D* Progressed to: City University of London Course: BTEC Level 3 Health and Social Care
“Studying BTEC Health gave me the best opportunity to realise my dream. I’m incredibly appreciative of all the support and assistance I received throughout my course. From the beginning, the staff recognised my ability and didn’t give up on me.”
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Chief ST MARY'S Grades achieved: BBB Progressed to: Queen Mary University Course: A Level Maths, Physics and Chemistry
“I really enjoyed my learning at CTK as lessons were relevant, engaging and challenging, whilst cultivating a warm, dynamic atmosphere.”
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Nathaniel ST MARY'S Grades achieved: D*D*D Progressed to: University of Reading Course: BTEC Level 3 Creative Media
“The personalised attention and encouragement from the teachers has, without doubt, contributed to my academic success. The various resources offered by the sixth form, such as the library, extracurricular activities, and online tools have been outstanding. I would highly recommend CTK, to anyone looking for a wonderful educational experience that goes beyond academic excellence.”
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Maddison ST MARY'S Grades achieved: BCA, Distinction* Progressed to: Degree Apprenticeship in Accounting & Finance Course: A Level Business, Maths, EPQ and BTEC IT
“CTK St Mary's is a great environment with friendly people and teachers who want us to succeed. My grades significantly improved. I have enjoyed the various trips and enrichment activities that take place at CTK.”
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Daulat ST MARY'S Grades achieved: AAB Progressed to: Queen Mary's University Course: A Level Maths, Physics and Chemistry
“If you are willing to put in the effort to succeed, CTK is the best place to be. The sixth form provides excellent resources and a supportive community to help you reach your academic and personal goals.”
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