A Memorable School Trip to Poland

Our students recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Poland, packed with history, culture, and new experiences. From visiting significant historical sites to trying local food, the trip was both educational and enjoyable.

We arrived safely in Kraków and took the train into the city, where we kicked things off with a traditional Polish lunch. A walking tour of the Old Town gave the boys a chance to take in the city’s fascinating history, exploring landmarks such as the Main Market Square and Wawel Castle. After some free time to soak up the atmosphere, we enjoyed another local meal before getting an early night ahead of a big day.

The visit to Auschwitz was a profound and moving experience. The boys were incredibly respectful, listening carefully to the guide, asking thoughtful questions, and reflecting on the significance of what they were seeing. It was a powerful moment for everyone, particularly for our GCSE historians, who gathered valuable insights for their studies.

Back in Kraków, we had an exciting visit to RMF FM, Poland’s top commercial radio station, housed in a historic Austro-Hungarian fort. Thanks to the kindness of a parent, we got an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, watched a live news broadcast, and explored the main studio. The visit wrapped up with some RMF goody bags before we hopped on a tram back into town for dinner.

The next day took us underground to the famous Wieliczka Salt Mines, where the boys were amazed by the vast chambers and intricate salt carvings—of course, they couldn’t resist testing the salty walls! We then explored the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, grabbing traditional zapiekanka for lunch before setting off on a walking tour to learn about the area’s rich Jewish heritage. A visit to Schindler’s Factory provided another insightful moment, though after an early start, the boys were definitely feeling the long day.

For our final evening, we enjoyed a special meal at Klezmer-Hois, where a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish dinner was accompanied by live klezmer music—a wonderful way to round off the trip.

After a final breakfast, we made our way to the airport, tired but full of memories. This trip was more than just an educational visit; it was an opportunity for the boys to engage with history, experience a different culture, and create lasting friendships. A huge thank you to the staff and parents who helped make this trip such a success—we can’t wait for the next adventure!