Year 9 students from Oasis Academy Sholing visit the Imperial War Museum in London.
Year 9 students from Oasis Sholing embarked on a poignant and educational trip to the Imperial War Museum in London on Friday, 7th February, gaining a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and other historical conflicts. The trip proved a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on the students.
The day began with an early arrival at the museum, where students were immediately captivated by the imposing naval guns displayed outside. Divided into two groups, the students participated in workshops led by Holocaust experts. These sessions focused on exploring powerful quotes from Holocaust survivors, prompting thoughtful discussions about their meaning and the insights they offer into this dark period of history. Equipped with iPads and specialised software, the students then embarked on a guided tour of the Holocaust galleries, encountering hundreds of artifacts and personal stories.
One student noted the powerful shift in atmosphere within the galleries, observing how the lighting grew darker as they approached the "Final Solution" room, highlighting the deliberate and chilling nature of the Nazi regime's plan. Following the gallery visit, the students reconvened for further discussion, sharing their observations and reflecting on the most impactful exhibits. The workshop leader then posed a crucial question: "Why do we still study the Holocaust?" Students were asked to write their responses on cards, some of which were shared on social media, revealing the depth of their understanding and the profound effect of the day's experience. The thoughtful and moving nature of these reflections demonstrated the trip's success in prompting critical thinking.
Beyond the Holocaust galleries, students explored other exhibits, with the First World War gallery and the iconic Spitfire aircraft proving particularly popular. The museum's vast collection of military vehicles also drew considerable interest.
“There was lots to learn about, and the Holocaust galleries were impactful due to the different stories that were told,” commented one student. “My favourite part was looking around all of the different galleries as there was a lot on display.”
The visit to the museum was a valuable and thought-provoking experience for our students, highlighting the importance of remembering and learning from history. We look forward to returning next year.
