Learning and Reflection on the Philosophy & Religion and History Trip to Poland

Following the success of last year’s inaugural Philosophy & Religion and History trip to Poland, this year’s group of travellers (23 Year Eleven pupils, one Upper Sixth and three members of staff) set off to Krakow on the morning of the last Thursday of term. Smooth and punctual travel saw us arrive in the late afternoon, settle into our hotel and take the opportunity to explore the main square. We were immediately struck by the beauty of St Mary’s Basilica, the Cloth Hall in the centre of the square and of course the Christmas lights and market stalls. After dinner at the Hard Rock Café, pupils enjoyed some more free time in the square before heading back to the hotel, tired after a day of travelling.

Friday began with a four hour walking tour of Krakow, beginning in Kazimierz, the old Jewish quarter. Our guides told us about the rich history of the Jewish people in Poland, providing invaluable context for what we would learn about the Holocaust later in the trip, including the sobering reality that prior to the Second World War, there were 3 million Jews living in Poland, only 10% of whom survived. On the walking tour we also visited Wawel Castle hill, the University and the Old Town. After lunch we made our way back to Wawel Castle for a guided tour of the State Chambers before walking across the river to the site of the Krakow Ghetto, where the city’s remaining Jews were forced to live for the first few years of the war. Our visit to the Eagle Pharmacy, which a non-Jewish owner had continued to run during that time with the intention of helping the residents of the Ghetto, was fascinating. Over dinner at Ariel Restaurant back in Kazimierz, we enjoyed listening to Klezmer music and getting a tangible sense of the vibrancy of Jewish culture. We estimated that we had walked about 10 miles over the course of the day so an earlier night was very welcome for all!

There was a sense of anticipation and even apprehension as we rose early on Saturday in order to get the coach to Auschwitz. Over the course of six hours, our excellent guide showed us key aspects of both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II (Birkenau). We were confronted with the scale of the horrors of the Holocaust: the display cases of shoes, human hair and kitchen equipment were particularly moving and the geographical area covered by Birkenau was almost incomprehensible, barrack after barrack stretching into the trees. At the same time, we learned about individual stories and looked at photographs of ordinary families, so similar to our own. The pupils conducted themselves impeccably at Auschwitz, listening with great respectfulness and attentiveness; their behaviour was noted and commended by our guide. Back in Krakow that evening, we were able to enjoy some bowling and another traditional meal as we began to process what we had seen and learned.

Our final day involved a final trip to Kazimierz to visit the Galicia Jewish Museum with its striking exhibition of photographs detailing Jewish life in Poland before, during and after the events of the Holocaust. We were also privileged to hear a Holocaust survivor tell us her story, entitled ‘A mutilated tree’ in light of the number of members of her family tree who died in the ghettos and camps. Finally, we visited the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a highlight of the trip for many. The vast underground chambers included a stunning chapel and had salty walls which visitors were permitted to lick! Some pupils certainly needed to drink plenty of water following the tour! Following a smooth and punctual flight, we arrived back to Manchester late on Sunday night and returned to Worcester by coach.

The trip was incredibly enriching, educationally and culturally, and has left its mark on us all. We hope that it will have prompted pupils to read and explore further; to examine ideologies critically and to consider vital ethical questions. I would like to thank Mr Breffit for his organisation, Mr Phillips and Mr Farmiloe and the pupils who made it such a pleasure and privilege to be a member of staff on this trip.

Mrs Susanna Soman, Teacher of Philosophy and Religion