On 7th June, 35 Key Stage 3 pupils set off on a trip to France and Belgium. We visited the Somme in France and Ypres in Belgium. After a fabulous overnight crossing on the ferry we spent the day exploring the famous sights of World War One and even managed to visit Canada! The Memorial Park that is dedicated to the Canadian troops who fought as part of our army during World War One. The following day we headed into Ypres where the pupils and teachers spent much time browsing and sampling the famous Belgium chocolates. From here we continued onto Tynecot the largest War Memorial Cemetery in the Commonwealth which was a very moving experience for all. Particularly one pupil Lauren Patterson who we believe located her Great Grandfather’s name on the memorial wall. After an exhausting day we headed back to the ferry for more fabulous entertainment. The pupils wowed both the staff and passengers alike with their spectacular dance moves in the disco, strictly come dancing here we come!
Following the success of this trip we are scheduled to take a further 35 students back to Belgium and France between 6th – 10 June 2010 to experience the moving and memorable sights of the World War One Battlefields.