Key Highlights

  • Duration
    54 mins (also in 2 parts, 27 mins each)
  • Key stage(s)
    3 AND 4
  • Ages
    12+
  • Supported subjects
    History, RE, PSHE, English

Janine's Story

Janine was born in Poland to a traditional Jewish family. Her story tells of a hidden child’s fight for survival under Nazi occupation.

The film is narrated by Jason Isaacs with student actors participating and provides the essential historical facts of the Holocaust.

Janine’s Story can be used throughout the curriculum and is particularly suitable for students aged 12 years and above.
DURATION
54 mins
Narrated by
Jason Isaacs
Subtitles
Available

✔️ Stories of collaboration and rescue
Explores moral dilemmas and resistance during Nazi occupation

✔️ A powerful personal testimony
Janine’s experience offers a deeply human lens through which students can understand the Holocaust

✔️ Fits your schedule
Flexible format lets you screen in one sitting or two shorter parts, making it easier to fit into busy timetables

Key Themes Discussed

  • Pre-war Jewish life in Poland
  • Rise of Hitler
  • Anti-Jewish laws
  • Book burning
  • Kristallnacht
  • Persecution of people with disabilities
  • Nazi occupation
  • Life in the ghetto
  • Collaborators and Rescuers
  • Rebuilding life after the war

Janines Story- Resources

Historical background to Janine’s Story

Explore the historical background to Janine’s Story, including key context on the Holocaust and Janine Webber’s experiences.

Janine's Bio

Read Janine Webber’s powerful survivor testimony, recounting her experiences of loss, hiding, and survival in Nazi-occupied Poland.

GENERAL RESOURCES

Note: All links below open in external websites


The Holocaust Educational Trust resources for year 7-8:

Pre-war Jewish life

Impossible Choices: Life under Nazi Persecution

Vera’s Journey (A study of the Kindertransport via one young girl’s perspective)

What Makes a Hero? (Nicholas Winton and the Kindertransport)


The Holocaust Educational Trust resources for year 9+:

Ghettos

Nazi persecution of Jews in Germany

Britain, Refugees and the Kindertransport

Dilemmas, Choices and Responses

Rescue during the Holocaust


The Holocaust Educational Trust resources for sixth form and older students:

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

  • "Magnificent. An excellent use of student voices; so very expressive and easier for students to empathise with. Thank you"

    • Simon Hopkins, Teacher - Wollaston School, Northamptonshire
  • "This was the most valuable documentary on the Holocaust I have come across"

    • Teacher - Dumbarton Academy, Scotland
  • "This film was superb. I have never had a resource that explains this horrifying period of history so comprehensively"

    • Teacher - Thornden School, Hampshire
  • "An informative, educational docufilm created in a tasteful way. Well done to all involved"

    • Natalie Hall, Teacher - Aughnacloy College, Northern Ireland
  • "The film was excellent, very well produced, posed questions and informed. Left me speechless despite teaching about the Holocaust for decades"

    • Teacher - Elea High Online School
  • "We really appreciate the high quality of the resources produced and are glad to use them to support our delivery of material on the Holocaust both in history lessons and as part of the wider school"

    • Teacher - Huntcliff School, Saltburn-by-the-Sea
  • "Thank you so much for the use of the film. I lead the assemblies for year 7-11 and the feedback I have received from both staff and pupils was that it was one of the best assemblies they have had"

    • Teacher - Farringdon Community Academy, Sunderland

Explore Other Films In Our Collection

The Holocaust

  • Duration
    53 mins (also in 3 parts - 19 mins, 13 mins & 18 mins)
  • Key stage(s)
    3 and 4
  • Ages
    13+
  • Supported subjects
    History, RE, PSHE, English

Assembly Film

  • Duration
    15 mins
  • Key stage(s)
    3 AND 4
  • Ages
    11+
  • Supported subjects
    History, RE, PSHE, English

Kindertransport

  • Duration
    20 mins
  • Key stage(s)
    3 and 4
  • Ages
    11+
  • Supported subjects
    History, RE, PSHE, English

Steven’s Story

  • Duration
    52 mins (also in 3 parts - 18 mins, 18 mins & 16 mins)
  • Key stage(s)
    3 AND 4
  • Ages
    13+
  • Supported subjects
    History, RE, PSHE, English