Year 8 Explore The Battlefields Of Belgium
04 Jul
Year 8 explored the Battlefields of World War One last weekend on a trip to Belgium in support of their history studies. They had plenty to reflect on across the four days as the size of the cemeteries brought home the scale of the conflict.
On their first full day the groups visited key sites including the German Langemark cemetery where they took in the atmosphere of how differently German soldiers are commemorated. They moved on to the Allied cemeteries, including the Essex Farm Cemetery and Dressing Station and the Tyne Cot Cemetery as well as taking time to explore the Memorial Museum at Passchendaele and the Hill 62 Sanctuary Wood Museum. It was a day to reflect on the impact of war and an opportunity to remember all those who laid down their lives.
On the Sunday, Year 8 started at the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, seeing the frontline where battle commenced. They also visited the Ulster Tower and Lochnagar Crater as well as the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial and the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. Pupils were incredibly respectful at all the memorials we visited.
Monday was spent at the Bellewaerde Aqua Park enjoying some down time, but the day finished with the group attending the moving Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate. The College was immensely proud of Robert and Lola who laid a wreath on behalf of us all at the evening’s service. Members of the public commented on how wonderful and respectful College pupils were throughout.
Tuesday started with one last visit to the informative Flanders Field Museum before a quick stop at Leonidas Chocolate Shop and then it was on to the ferry for the return home.
A huge well done to Year 8. It was a thought provoking and informative trip for them all.