40 students from years 7 through to year 11 took a trip to Normandy, France to help enhance their understanding of World War 1.
The trip is part of multiple activities being organised by the school throughout 2014 as we mark the 100 year anniversary of the start of World War 1.
Students travelled by coach and ferry to reach Normandy where they stayed for four days. The school hired a Royal British Legion tour guide, Brigadier Johnny Walker, who accompanied staff and students on the visit.
The students went to many sites on both the Somme and Ypres, including the Menin Gate, the Lochnagar Crater, Passchendaele Memorial and Museum, Vimy Ridge, Langemark German cemetery and the Tyne Cott Cemetery.
The trip had a special meaning to year 10 student Eve as her Great, Great Grandfather fought in WW1. Eve, alongside a number of other students, was able to lay a wreath for her Great, Great Grandfather at Menin Gate. She said: “It was great to be able to pay respect to my Great, Great Grandfather alongside all the other soldiers who bravely fought in World War 1.
“The places we visited put into perspective how many people died. It’s hard to understand the scale of it all until you see the graves and memorial buildings.”
Fellow year 10 student Fraser was interested to see the trenches and was shocked by the conditions the soldiers lived in. He said: “The trenches were so much smaller than I ever imagined based on what I’ve see in films and on tv. There was even writing on the walls which the soldiers must have done whilst waiting to fight.”
Jasmine is currently studying for her history GCSE and found the trip beneficial as it has helped her to understand more about World War 1. Jasmin said: “There is only so much you can learn from watching films and reading texts. This trip has helped me to visualise what it would have been like as a solider. The graves, the trenches and hospital we visited all helped to paint a picture of what life was like.”
History teacher, Miss Isherwood, went on the trip with students. She said: “Marking the centenary of World War 1 is incredibly important. We want to continue to teach our students about World War 1 so that it is not forgotten in history and that young people today are still able to learn about and understand what happened.
“Our tour guide Brigadier Johnny Walker was extremely knowledgeable and directed many of the acts of remembrance, having the opportunity to learn from him was invaluable for all of us.”
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Students take Battlefields Trip to mark centenary of World War 1
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