TWENTY-SIX students from Boldon School have visited Poland, which included tours of Krakow and the Nazi death camps at Auschwitz and Birkenau.

The trip was a joint venture between the History and RE departments. The three day visit, which took place during the Easter holiday, was put together to compliment the GCSE courses being followed in each subject. The packed itinerary included a guided tour of the Kazimierz former Jewish district of Krakow, Schindler's factory, the wartime ghetto area and the opportunity to meet a holocaust survivor.

In addition to this, students had a full day tour of the two death camps at Auschwitz, concluding the trip on the final day by heading 100 metres underground to explore the stunning Wieliczka Salt Mines, a UNESCO Heritage Site. The visit was led by assistant head teacher Andrew Smith.

“This was a first for Boldon School and our students have gained a great deal from it,” said Mr Smith.

“ Visiting locations such as the death camps at Birkenau provide a stark reminder of the atrocities that happened there in the past. That is why it was important to include other memorable highlights such as the salt mines, which were incredible.”

Plans are already underway for a return trip next year.