During half-term, our 14s and 15s (Years 10-11) GCSE History pupils set off for Berlin and Krakow on a five-day trip that brought their classroom studies vividly to life. Reflections from 15s pupil Carlos, paired with striking photos by 14s pupil Luca below, illustrate the experience through pupils’ eyes.
From the moment the group arrived in Berlin, the itinerary was packed. Pupils explored key historical sites including Checkpoint Charlie and the Reichstag, with access to its Dome and Rooftop Terrace. They also visited the Palace of Tears, the German Resistance Memorial Centre, the Berlin Wall Memorial and the East Side Gallery, a 1.3 km remnant of the Wall now serving as an open-air gallery of murals created by artists from around the world. Together, these sites offered powerful insights into both the realities of life in a divided city and the wider history of Germany in the twentieth century.
Seeing so many important historical sights in Berlin really helped capture what Nazi Germany was like pre- and post-war.
Carlos 15s pupil
At the Topography of Terror, built on the former SS and Gestapo headquarters, they learned more about the regime’s machinery of control, before visiting the site of Hitler’s bunker during a guided walking tour that also included the Brandenburg Gate. As Carlos articulates, these visits “really helped capture what Nazi Germany was like pre- and post-war,” and gave pupils a strong sense of how the capital city still bears the marks of its past.
There was also time to unwind and enjoy some lighter moments. Between visits to museums and memorials, pupils enjoyed free time together in the shopping mall at Alexanderplatz and a night-time visit taking in the views of the city from the TV Tower. One of Carlos’s favourite activities was the group bowling night, as it gave everyone the chance to laugh, relax and enjoy some organised fun after a day packed with hard-hitting history.
To see more photos taken by 14s pupil Luca
After three full days in Berlin, the group travelled overnight to Poland, an adventure in itself, and arrived in Krakow to a very different atmosphere.
The large scale of the mass murder that occurred during WWII was shocking. Visiting the concentration camps really helped understand the magnitude of the Holocaust.
They explored the city’s beautiful Old Town before visiting Auschwitz I and Birkenau, where the historical reality of the Holocaust came powerfully into focus. “The large scale of the mass murder that occurred during WWII was shocking,” Carlos said. “Visiting the concentration camps really helped understand the magnitude of the Holocaust.”
By the time they returned home, pupils had deepened their understanding of one of the most significant periods in modern history and strengthened the friendships that make trips like this so special. “The Berlin and Krakow trip was one none of us will ever forget,” Carlos said. “It was full of memories and I don’t doubt for a second that all of us would do it again in an instant.”
It was a trip full of memories and I don't doubt for a second that all of us would do it again in an instant.
Our thanks go to Mr Benjamin, who led the trip, and to Mrs Arnold, Ms Stuart, Mr Nowell and Mr Woodward, for making the experience possible for our pupils.
To see a selection of photos taken by staff on the trip
