Easter 2013 - Millthorpe School York

YEAR 11 POLAND TRIPIn February half term Mrs Papprill, Miss Parr, MissTaylorson and Mr Baybutt took 32 Year 11students to Poland where this year the weatherwas actually above freezing and not as cold as hereat home. The theme of the trip is mainly to visitAuschwitz and Birkenau, the former concentrationcamp sites, but also to get a flavour of Poland.On our first day in Krakow we visited theunderground salt mines where after going downnearly 1000 steps we entered the mine to discoverfloors, walls and ceilings all of salt; including anamazing auditorium and indeed church. Most ofthe students also took up the invitation to lick thesaid walls etc and were surprised to discover theytasted of ..... you guessed it, SALT! We then spentthe rest of the day touring the snow-covered cityof Krakow where we also encountered its famousfire breathing dragon.Day two was spent at the site of the concentrationcamps which can be quite harrowing and indeeddid move a lot of the students to tears. Afterwardsthough all agreed it was a totally worthwhileexperience and something they felt could never beportrayed in words alone. To lighten the moodthat evening we were entertained in a localrestaurant by traditional Polish dancing and songwhilst eating some fabulous local fayre. MrBaybutt’s moves on the dance-floor a joy for all.Day three was spent at Schindler’s factory and theJewish quarter where many historic sites wereseen and the pupils recognised where scenes fromthe film Schindler’s List were filmed. We finishedoff the trip with a visit to an enormous water parkwhere there really was something for everyoneand thankfully Mrs Papprill didn’t get stuck in theflume this year - don’t ask! A truly fabulous andeducational trip for all who went; supporting boththe work done in RE, Citizenship and History atGCSE level. Once again our students stood outwith excellent behaviour from the time we leftYork until the moment we returned and were acredit to themselves, the school and you, theirparents. The trip will be going again next year forthe current Year 10 students during February halfterm and, should your child wish to go, aletter is available from reception with furtherdetails.