Lessons from Auschwitz

Two sixth formers from Formby High School, Emily West and Faye Dolan, have been taking part in the ‘Lessons from Auschwitz Project’ run by the Holocaust Educational Trust.

The history students both secured their places on the programme after successfully submitting a selection essay.

Emily and Faye journied to Poland to see first-hand Auschwitz-Birkenau, the site where more than a million people died during the Second World War, they also had the opportunity to meet a Holocaust survivor and visit a Jewish synagogue.

Emily said: “When I started at Formby High School in Year 7 history immediately became my favourite subject.  I studied it at GCSE and I am so enthused by it I chose to study both modern history and ancient history at A Level.  I am hoping to study history at university as well.”

Faye said: “As well as studying history at A Level I also study religious studies. This combination has increased my curiosity of the subject of World War Two. In my opinion, in order to fully understand the events of World War Two, in particular the role of concentration camps, is with primary sources and from witness testimonies.”

Ms Harrison, A Level history teacher at Formby High School, said: “After taking part in the Lessons from Auschwitz programme myself I believed that our students would benefit greatly from it. The trip to Auschwitz itself was one of the most thought provoking and eye opening experiences of my life. I felt it was necessary for our students to have the opportunity to take part in such an amazing, inspirational and life changing programme. It’s something which will remain with them forever.”