Feature or footnote ? Teacher's attitudes toward the teaching of the Holocaust in primary schools in Scotland

The question of teaching controversial and difficult issues in primary schools remains itself controversial. This article discusses the area of teaching the Holocaust in primary schools in Scotland by examining its relevance to the primary curriculum and reporting on survey and interview research amongst a sample of primary teachers in Scotland. Based on limited research, this paper suggests that the Holocaust is appropriate for primary pupils, provides insight into the reactions of parents and colleagues and shows that Holocaust history in Scottish primary schools is set firmly within the contexts of Anne Frank and World War Two. We find that there are significant barriers to its teaching, yet most of these can be successfully overcome. (By the author)