By Mrs Sadler (Head of History and Politics)

During the half-term break, 31 students from Years 10 to Upper Sixth accompanied by four staff embarked on a thought-provoking history and cultural visit to Kraków, Poland, from Monday 21st to Thursday 24th October. This visit allowed them to deepen their understanding of the impact of the Nazi invasion of Poland in 1939, particularly on the Jewish community. 

In Kraków, students explored the city’s complex history, including guided tours of the Galicia Jewish Museum and the former Jewish district of Kazimierz. They also had the unique opportunity to meet with a concentration camp survivor or a relative of a survivor, providing a personal perspective on the enduring impact of the Holocaust. One evening included a meal at a traditional Jewish restaurant, with live Jewish music.

A guided excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the site of the Holocaust, was a profoundly moving experience. This visit was especially poignant as 2024 marks the 79th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz in 1945. To embrace the wider cultural heritage of the area, students explored Kraków’s medieval centre, with particular interest in the 16th-century Renaissance Cloth Hall, now a vibrant shopping centre for handicrafts and souvenirs.

The trip also included an excursion to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of Europe’s oldest and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Upper Sixth students Ellie Mullan and Lily Simester reflected on the visit: “Our trip to Kraków was full of reflection and learning. We learnt first-hand about the History of Poland and it was extremely memorable.  

“From learning about History to experiencing Polish culture, every day brought something new and eye-opening. One of the most moving parts of the trip was visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau. Walking through the grounds and hearing stories from some of the lives affected was a heavy and emotional experience that gave us all a much deeper understanding of the Holocaust and its impact. On the last day we visited the Salt Mines. The salt carvings and chapels were beautiful and it was fascinating to learn how miners worked there for centuries.  

“We also had the opportunity to try traditional Polish food everyday as well as visit the Old Town! The Old Town was vibrant and lively with unique shops and street vendors, and everyone got the opportunity to pick up some souvenirs.  

“The trip to Krakow offered a perfect mix of learning about the History and culture of Poland, whilst also having lots of fun.”  

View photos from the trip here.