Twenty nine Year 10 students recently took part in a memorable 3 day visit to the WWI battlefields of Belgium and France, supporting their GCSE History studies on Medicine and the Western Front.
The trip began in Ypres, where students attended the moving Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate. Daisey and Patrick were given a special opportunity to lay a wreath in front of a crowd of 1500 people.
On the second day, the group explored key sites on the Somme, including the Lochnagar Mine Crater, Newfoundland Memorial Park, and the impressive Thiepval Memorial. Visiting these historic locations helped students develop a deeper understanding of trench warfare, the scale of the conflict, and the experiences of soldiers that underpin their GCSE studies. We ended the day by having lasagne at a restaurant before heading back to the accommodation to watch Spain vs France in the World Cup.
The final day saw the group return to Belgium to visit the Bayernwald German Trench System, Langemark German Cemetery, and Hill 60, offering valuable insight into the German perspective of the war. Before heading home, students enjoyed some well-earned free time in Ypres, including the opportunity to sample the city's famous chocolate shops.
Throughout the visit, our students represented the school exceptionally well, demonstrating maturity, curiosity, and respect at every site. The trip provided an unforgettable learning experience, bringing classroom study to life and deepening students' understanding of the realities of the Western Front.
