Page 7                                                                                                                                                                                                 Labhairt Amach

This year the History Department organised a trip to Berlin and Krakow for six days. The focus of the trip was for the pupils to learn a little more about the tragic events of the Holocaust as well as the effects of Communism on the old Eastern Bloc.

On the 15^th of October, twenty-eight senior and sixth form pupils set out for Berlin accompanied by three teachers.

Over the six days, we learned a lot of new information and the boys impressed our guides with their prior knowledge and understanding of the history of the areas we visited. As well as historical sites and museums we found a little time for shopping and bowling. The trip culminated in a visit to the museum at Auschwitz-Birkenau, which deeply affected all of us.

We were all tired coming home but agreed it had been an enjoyable and interesting week. The boy’s enthusiasm, interest and behaviour was second to none and they are to be congratulated for being a credit to themselves, their families and the college.

Two of our Sixth Formers have written about their experiences to give you a flavour of the trip.

                         

 

Miss Anderson

 

The whole group at the Salt Mines in Krakow

Berlin

We met at the school in the early hours of a  Monday morning, then, still half asleep we travelled down to Dublin.

A chilly morning awaited us as we met our guide and set off on a bus tour of Berlin. The scenery was outstanding, with towering buildings peering down on us. Dominating the skyline was the TV Tower, one of the tallest buildings in Europe.

After lunch, we visited the Gestapo Headquarters, where we learned of the plans for the execution of the Jews. We also made a stop at one of the last sections of the Berlin Wall to remain standing.

On our second day we visited the Olympic Stadium and the Allied Museum. That evening we went bowling. On Wednesday, our last full day in Berlin, we went to the Technical Museum, where it wouldn’t be too long before Mr McCoy was posing for the camera yet again! Here we saw fighter planes, boats and cars, some of which even outdated Mr Corrigan!

We travelled on to the Jewish Museum, which had stricter security than most airports and met our guides. Our guide was very enthusiastic and clearly explained the architecture of the building, which was fascinating in itself. This was followed by a tour of the exhibitions, which contained some surprises.

That night we went shopping to dispose of any Euros burning a hole in our pockets. The next day we were heading for the Polish city of Krakow. Our stay in Berlin had been an interesting one.

John Kelly, 13DS

 

 

Krakow