Exploring Krakow: A Moving Journey Into the Past

Year 10 and Year 11 pupils enjoyed a profound and enriching four‑day trip to Krakow, Poland, deepening their understanding of life in the Third Reich as part of their GCSE studies.

During the visit, pupils:

• Explored the Galicia Museum, where they learned about Jewish life before, during, and after Nazi occupation.
• Met a Holocaust survivor, who bravely shared her experiences of hiding as a young Jewish girl during the Second World War.
• Descended 380 steps into the remarkable UNESCO‑listed Wieliczka Salt Mines, including a visit to the awe‑inspiring St Kinga’s Chapel with its intricate salt sculptures.
• Spent a reflective day at Auschwitz and Auschwitz‑Birkenau, gaining a deeper, more personal understanding of the human impact of Nazi persecution.
• Concluded the trip at the Gestapo Museum, where they explored life under oppressive regimes.

Along the way, pupils sampled authentic Polish cuisine—one restaurant even treated them to a lively 30‑minute performance of traditional Jewish music.

And as a delightful surprise… it snowed! Pupils even managed to squeeze in a snowman‑building session, adding an extra touch of joy to an already memorable experience.

This meaningful and thought‑provoking journey is one that will stay with our pupils for many years to come.