A Manchester secondary school has been plunged into controversy after distributing deeply offensive Nazi-inspired material to students during a history lesson.
St George's Church of England High School in Walkden is under investigation after educational materials containing swastikas and antisemitic content were handed out to pupils studying the Holocaust.
Shocking Discovery in Classroom
The disturbing incident came to light when a parent discovered the material, which included multiple swastikas and content described as "highly offensive" by community leaders. The school, which caters to students aged 11-16, has launched an immediate investigation into how such inappropriate material made its way into the classroom.
Jewish community representatives have expressed profound concern about the incident, with one leader stating the material was "not just inappropriate but deeply hurtful" to those affected by the Holocaust.
School's Response and Investigation
In a statement to the Manchester Evening News, school authorities acknowledged the serious nature of the incident and confirmed they had taken immediate action. The materials have been withdrawn from circulation, and staff involved are facing disciplinary procedures.
"We are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and have launched a full investigation," a school representative stated. "We deeply regret any distress this may have caused to our students, their families, and the wider community."
Community Reaction and Concerns
Local Jewish leaders have demanded answers about how such material could be approved for use in educational settings. The incident has raised serious questions about the vetting processes for teaching resources and staff training around sensitive historical topics.
One community representative emphasised that teaching about the Holocaust requires particular sensitivity and expertise, noting that "the use of authentic Nazi symbolism in this context is completely unacceptable and potentially traumatic for students."
The school has promised to review all teaching materials and provide additional training for staff to prevent similar incidents occurring in the future.
