Our annual History Trip to France and Belgium was once again a resounding success, with our students returning with a broader global perspective and a deeper understanding of the past. This journey provides an invaluable opportunity for our young historians to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of these iconic historical sites and reflect on the profound impact of war and loss.
Demonstrating outstanding initiative, leadership, and pride in their learning, this year’s cohort took it entirely upon themselves to document their journey. Independent of staff prompting, the students curated their own photo gallery and authored a compelling account of their experiences.
We are delighted to share their firsthand perspectives and photography below:
Last weekend, History took some of their Year 11 GCSE students on the Battlefields Trip around France and Belgium. Despite a very early morning, they stopped off at Notre Dame de Lorette (a French Memorial) and Vimy Ridge (a Canadian Memorial) on their way to the hotel in Ypres.
There was another (slightly less) early morning the next day, and the students went to some Somme battlefields and memorials: the Somme Museum, British Thiepval Memorial, Canadian Newfoundland Park, and Commonwealth Serre Graveyard, where Horace Iles, who the students learnt about in Year 9, is buried.
The last day of museums and memorials was dedicated to Ypres and Passchendaele, with the students visiting the Trench of Death, Passchendaele Museum, Langemark Cemetery (the largest of the German WWI cemeteries in Belgium), and Tyne Cot, where a moments silence was held and a wreath was laid for Norman Nicholson and James Tristram, two ex-students who are commemorated there, by Georgie Stevenson.
Finally, the Year 11s witnessed the ceremony held every night at Menin Gate, where another ex-student is commemorated, with Lucas Scott and Charlotte White laying another wreath there. It was a fascinating experience for all, giving everyone a deeper understanding of the wider impact of WWI.
Words by Rachel M and photos mainly by Thomas E - both students on the trip.
