SJM is currently closed to the public during redevelopment. Our education programs continue at a temporary location. Please visit our Learning pages for information and to book.

  • Fact Through Fiction

Fact Through Fiction

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Key information
Cost $21/student, teachers free Minimum cost $210 Duration 3 hours Curriculum links Years 4 – 7 (Stages 2, 3 & 4): English The program includes 1 hour Holocaust survivor talk
1 hour guided, or semi-guided tour
1 hour workshop with a Museum Educator
About the program:

Historical fiction is a unique way for students to engage emotionally and intellectually with the Holocaust. Graphic novels like MAUS, works of young adult fiction like The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, and films such as The Pianist, Schindler’s List and Life is Beautiful provide the opportunity for audiences to consider how history is conveyed and how it informs popular culture. This interactive session will explore the issues of historical accuracy and authorship.

This program is tailored to the texts you are studying. Please let us know which texts you are using when you make your booking.

The Sydney Jewish Museum is embarking on a major redevelopment project which will enable us to significantly expand and enhance our programs and exhibitions. As a result, the Museum will be closed in 2026. However, when we reopen in 2027, we will welcome many more visitors, teachers and school groups. Although our museum site is currently under reconstruction and closed to the public, we continue to provide school groups with quality, impactful and curriculum-linked educational programs at a nearby temporary location. Bookings are available from 9am to 4pm every weekday except Friday. We can also design bespoke online sessions to meet your needs. 

If you’d like to speak to our team about your booking, you can contact us at bookings@sjm.com.au

Image credit: SJM Collection.

School Excursions Enquiry Form

  • If your name is not on this list, please select 'Other - School Not Listed'

  • Preferred Dates

  • For example: unit of study, texts being studied, additional needs, and any prior knowledge

Plan your visit

On the day

  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your program start time and assemble students across the road from the museum in Green Park.
  • Please send a member of staff to the main museum entrance to let us know you have arrived and our education team will come to greet you.
  • Students will enter via the main museum entrance on Darlinghurst Road.
  • Note that the museum has a substantial security presence. Your group may be asked to consent to a bag search.

What to bring

  • Due to limited locker space, we request that students do not bring large backpacks.
  • If the students plan to eat before or after their visit, please ask them to bring very small bags so that we can put several bags in each locker.

Access

  • We strive to make our programs accessible and inclusive to students of all needs and abilities. Please advise us if you have any additional needs for your visit.

Content advice

  • Note that the content covered at the museum may be distressing to some students.
  • We recommend bringing your school councillor and/or members of your pastoral care team to the visit.

Payment

  • An invoice will be sent after your visit, unless organised otherwise.

Confirmation of numbers

  • All bookings must confirm any changes to student numbers at least 7 days prior to the visit in writing. Schools will be charged for the number of students we have on record 7 days prior to the visit.

Cancellations and booking changes

  • Changes and cancellations including dates, times and student numbers must be made in writing.
  • Each booking is permitted two changes at no cost. Each additional change over and above these two changes will incur a $30 administration fee.
  • Cancellations made within 7 working days of the scheduled booking will be charged in full.

Risk assessment

Please click here for our risk assessment.

Pre and post visit lesson plans

Our Educators have created activities and resources for teachers to use to engage students before and after their visit to the Museum.

Click here to download the pre and post visit lesson plans.

Complementary Programs and Resources
Understanding the Holocaust

FACE-TO-FACE

Introduce your students to studying the Holocaust. This program explores key historical events that contributed to this cataclysmic event unfolding.

 More details Rights and Freedoms

FACE-TO-FACE

Explore the creation and role of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other crucial documents protecting human rights through the lens of contemporary issues in Australia.

 More details MIDDLE YEARS Lesson Plan: Analysing Camp Uniforms A resource to help students analyse collection objects to learn more about camp uniforms and the internees forced to wear them in the Holocaust.
  • Stage: 5
  • Subject: History
  • Curriculum links:
    • Stage 5: History, Core Study - Depth Study 3: Australians at War: World Wars I and II (1914-1918, 1939-1945)
    • Depth Study 6: School-developed topic
 More details

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