Students from Millthorpe School have taken part in a powerful and deeply moving educational visit to Krakow, Poland, where they explored the history and legacy of the Holocaust.
The Year 11 trip, which took place from 12-15 February, combined cultural experiences with significant historical learning, giving students the opportunity to reflect on one of the darkest chapters in modern history while also strengthening friendships and personal resilience.
During their time in Krakow, students visited the Galicia Jewish Museum and had the privilege of meeting Holocaust survivor Anna, who shared her personal story of survival. As a child, Anna was smuggled to safety by a member of the Polish resistance after being listed for collection by the Nazis. Her testimony, including the loss of her grandmothers and more than 500 members of the Jewish community in Rabka, left a lasting impression on students.
Anna’s message to the group was clear – pass on what you have learned and always challenge Holocaust denial.
The group also visited Oskar Schindler’s Factory in Krakow, learning how Schindler, once a member of the Nazi Party, saved more than 1,000 Jewish people during the occupation. A guided visit to Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau formed the emotional centre of the trip. Over six hours, students toured the sites, learning about the establishment of the camps and the scale of the atrocities committed there.
Mr Baybutt, trip leader and Assistant Principal and Teacher of History at Millthorpe School, said “I cannot put into words how proud I am of our amazing students. Their conduct throughout the trip was exceptional, and their reflections afterwards left me with tears in my eyes. You hope, as a teacher, that there are moments when you truly help shape lives for the better. After this visit, I know that these students will go on to make a positive impact on the world.”
Students also visited the Wieliczka Salt Mines and spent time in Krakow’s historic main square. The trip concluded with a visit to Park Wodny, Poland’s largest indoor water park, allowing students time to decompress after several emotionally intense days.
Throughout the visit, students were repeatedly praised by members of the public, hotel staff and tour guides for their respectful behaviour and maturity.
Reflecting on the experience, one student said “Whilst I knew how bad the Holocaust was, I have realised the pure scale of this tragic event. I feel lucky to have been part of this life-changing experience.”
Another added “We cannot forget what happened and cannot allow this to happen again.”
The visit forms part of Millthorpe School’s commitment to ensuring students understand the historical significance of the Holocaust and the importance of challenging prejudice, discrimination and hatred in modern society.
Millthorpe School belongs to Excel Learning Trust alongside six other York schools.
You can read the full trip report from Mr Baybutt here.
23 February 2026
