TWO students from Crewe are about to embark on an eye-opening historical experience as they take part in a specialist Holocaust course.

South Cheshire College (SCC) students Ryan Stephan and Charlotte McCourt, both aged 17, are embarking on the ‘Lessons from Auschwitz’ project – a journey of learning and exploration which delves into the history of the Holocaust and the world we live in.

The project consists of a one-day trip to Poland to visit the notorious Auschwitz concentration camp, two seminars and a Next Steps project where students pass on the lessons they have learned.

A place on the course, sponsored by a Government grant and heavily subsidised by the Holocaust Educational Trust, was offered to a pair of 16 to 18 year-old students at the college from any ethnic or religious background.

Ryan and Charlotte will attend a half-day seminar in Manchester on October 21 where they will examine pre-war Jewish life, hear a first-hand testimony from a Holocaust survivor and prepare for their visit to Poland on October 25.

Former Sir William Stanier High School student Ryan, who is studying A-levels in history, politics and psychology, said: “I learned about the Holocaust at high school and it was an area of history that fascinated me. I’m pleased that I’ve now got the chance to visit Poland and find out more about the Holocaust first hand.”

Charlotte, a former St Thomas More High School student who is also studying A-level history, said: “I’m looking forward to the course and feel it will look good on my university application.”

Both students hope to study history at university.

Moyra Throssell, equality and diversity co-ordinator at SCC, said: “This project will be a fantastic experience for both students which will benefit them on their courses and look excellent on their university applications.

“This is the first time that students from the college have taken part in the project and it is a wonderful opportunity for them to learn about the Holocaust outside the classroom.”