On 9^th December the History Department took 96 Year 8 students on a visit to Ypres Salient in Belgium as part of the ongoing project students are completing on First World War. All students participated in a range of activities including a visit to the German cemetery at Langemarck which was extremely humbling.

A key part of the day was the visit to Tyne Cot Cemetery where each student had researched an individual soldier buried here. During the visit, each student laid a cross of remembrance inscribed by a prayer they had composed at the grave of ‘their’ soldier. Many of the students and staff were overwhelmed by the sheer scale of this cemetery and could now understand the sacrifice made by each of these young men.  Students also had the opportunity to experience the trenches themselves at Sanctuary Wood. The day ended with a short memorial service, led by Deacon Black of St Francis Parish, at Menin Gate in Ypres town. Two students were chosen to lay a cross of poppies at the Menin Gate on behalf of the school which included a message by our chaplain, Miss Bassett.

Students then took the opportunity to purchase some Belgian chocolate! The behaviour of all the students was exemplary throughout the day and recognised by the customs officials at Dunkerque who remarked that “these are the best students we have ever had coming through this port.”

A massive thank-you to all the staff who attended the trip and also huge praise to all the students who were outstanding ambassadors for the school.

Miss M King (Subject Leader of History)