S5 Krakow & Auschwitz Trip – Spring 2025 – Optional Trip
The S5 Krakow trip is a powerful optional educational experience designed to deepen students’ understanding of the Holocaust, the rise of fascism, and its lasting impact on Europe. The visit includes guided tours of historical sites, opportunities for reflection, and a focus on the importance of remembrance.
Learning Journey – Preparing for the Trip
To ensure students are well-prepared for this experience, the students engage in a learning journey over a number of months where the focus on the following topics through a variety of learning methodologies through group work, discussions, documentary reflections, student booklets: The Rise of Fascism in Europe, Nazism & the Rise of Anti-Semitism, Examining life in German in 1930s and the persecution of Jewish communities, Comparing the rise of fascism in Italy and Germany, Understanding The Road to the Holocaust, Exploring the 10 stages of genocide and the mechanisms that led to the Holocaust, Investigating patterns of genocide and the international response with the United Nations.
Itinerary Overview – can be subject to change- please note that this trip has a limited number of participants.
Day 1
– Early morning departure by bus to Milan Airport.
– Flight to Krakow, Poland and coach transfer to accommodation.
– Guided walking tour of Krakow’s Old Town, including Planty Park, Wawel Hill, Market Square, and Notre Dame Church.
– Evening tour of the Old Town with teachers.
Day 2
– Morning visit to the Kazimierz Jewish Quarter, exploring historic synagogues, the cemetery, and the former Jewish ghetto.
– Afternoon visit to Schindler’s Factory Museum, exploring Krakow under Nazi occupation.
– Evening – spending time in the city centre.
Day 3
– Travel to Auschwitz-Birkenau, with a guided tour of the concentration camp and museum.
– Reflection on the historical significance of the Holocaust.
– Evening walking tour of Krakow’s Old Town.
Day 4
– Visit to the Nowa Huta district, showcasing Krakow’s socialist past.
– Return flight to Milan and arrival back to school by early evening.
This immersive and thought-provoking journey will encourage students to critically reflect on history and its lasting lessons.