On Thursday 8 June our Year 9 students set off at 5am to head to Dover via coach to attend the Battlefields Trip in Ypres with the History Department.
Throughout the trip our students displayed exceptional behaviour and respect for the solemnity of the sites they visited such as the memorials at Tynecot, Vimy Ridge, and Langermark.
Three of our students wore their service uniforms with pride, representing the Army Cadets, Scouts and Cubs, and had the privilege of laying a wreath during the poignant Last Post Ceremony which has taken place every evening at 8pm since WW1, apart from when it was impossible during WW2. The service honours the 89,880 British and Commonwealth soldiers who died among the 300,000 others in this part of western Flanders, who were lost with no known grave. The students stood silently to listen and be a part of this historic event. They were able to appreciate the magnitude of the sacrifices made by so many, ensuring that their memory lives on.
Despite the unusually hot weather our students remained enthusiastic and conducted themselves impeccably throughout the trip. They demonstrated maturity, resilience and a genuine desire to learn and pay their respects. We are immensely proud of their conduct.
In addition to the historical and reflective aspects of the trip we also had the opportunity to unwind and have some fun. A highlight was a game of bowling, which the students thoroughly enjoyed. To commemorate this memorable experience we were even gifted a signed bowling pin as a token of appreciation.
Thank you to the History Team (Mr Leaman, Mrs Cousins and Miss Thomas Stone) for their hard work and dedication in supporting me organise the trip, making it a big success.
Mrs Sarbatta
Head of History
