Year 9 History/RE Lesson: Auschwitz – Beyond the Barbed Wire
This lesson explores how Auschwitz became the ultimate symbol of Nazi cruelty, control, and industrialised mass murder. Pupils learn about the camp’s organisation, arrival process, Zyklon B gas chambers, forced labour, and the theft of prisoners’ belongings. They also consider how Nazi leaders planned the genocide and used deception to maintain control. Activities include guided reading on survivor testimony, comprehension questions, categorising evidence of cruelty, and extended reflection on what made Auschwitz unique.
Learning aims:
Describe how Auschwitz was organised for mass extermination
Explain why the Nazis used gas chambers and deception
Reflect on how conditions dehumanised and destroyed prisoners
Evaluate what Auschwitz reveals about the systematic nature of genocide
Includes PowerPoint slides (school logos have been removed from the PPT), survivor stories, structured tasks, and reflection activities ready to teach.
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£2.00