Probe as pupils told to act out Schindler’s List

AN internal investigation has been launched at a school where teachers asked pupils to act out scenes of violence from the film Schindler’s List, a local authority said yesterday.

Two teachers have been suspended from the Pingle School, in Derbyshire, and a Derbyshire County Council spokeswoman said the school is carrying out an investigation.

She said the council is offering its support to the governing body.

It is believed the probe was launched amid complaints from parents and pupils after GCSE drama students were asked to act out scenes from Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning film, which includes scenes of rape and violence.

The students’ GCSE drama exams have now been delayed until the end of the month while replacement teachers are put in place.

Yesterday, the Holocaust Educational Trust chief executive Karen Pollock said: “Teaching the subject of the Holocaust can be very challenging and it is essential that it is conveyed in a sensitive and appropriate way.

“The Holocaust Educational Trust advises teachers against using role play or ‘shock tactics’ and instead provides resources for schools and training for teachers, so that they feel equipped and confident to deliver lessons on this dark chapter in history.”

Yesterday the school’s business manager Martin Walton told the Derby Telegraph that three “high quality drama teachers” had been put into post.

“I am confident that pupils’ exam performance won’t suffer and that the investigation will be over within two weeks.”