Our Year 9 and 10 students recently returned from a memorable history trip to Kraków, Poland, filled with new experiences, fascinating discoveries and lasting memories. Over three days, they explored key sites connected to the Holocaust and the Second World War, bringing their classroom learning to life in a powerful and engaging way.

As a UCL Holocaust Beacon School with Quality Mark Status, we are committed to providing meaningful Holocaust education that goes beyond the classroom. This visit gave students the opportunity to connect their learning with the places, people and personal stories behind this important period of history.

The trip began with a guided tour of Kraków’s historic Jewish Quarter, including Remuh Synagogue and Cemetery, followed by a visit to Oskar Schindler’s Factory. Students explored life in Kraków during the Nazi occupation and developed their understanding of the experiences of Jewish people during this time.

The following day, the group visited the remarkable Wieliczka Salt Mines before travelling to Auschwitz-Birkenau. This was a particularly significant and thought-provoking experience, allowing students to reflect on the atrocities of the Holocaust, remember its victims and consider the importance of remembrance, tolerance and challenging prejudice.

The trip continued on the final morning with a guided walking tour of Kraków’s Old Town and a visit to the Galicia Jewish Museum, where students had the opportunity to meet with the descendant of a Holocaust survivor. Hearing personal perspectives helped bring history to life and highlighted the lasting impact of the Holocaust across generations.

Alongside the historical visits, students made the most of the opportunity to discover Polish culture and spend time together. A particular highlight was Friday evening’s traditional Polish meal and folklore show (with mariachi band), which offered a chance to experience local traditions and share a memorable evening with friends. Exploring the city and discovering its history provided plenty of opportunities for fun and reflection. 

Throughout the trip, students showed enthusiasm and curiosity, engaging with the activities and demonstrating maturity and respect during the more challenging moments. They returned with a deeper understanding of the Holocaust, a greater appreciation of the importance of learning from the past, and memories of a very special experience together.

We are incredibly proud of our Year 9 and 10 students and how they represented the school throughout the visit.