A very early start on Wednesday saw us depart from Acle at 4:00am, and make our way down to Dover to catch the ferry. Our first stop when we arrived in Ypres was Lijssenthoek CWGC Cemetery where students explored the causes of the First World War (in line with their recent learning on this in the classroom). This was followed by a visit to Bayernwald trench system, where students had the opportunity to explore a trench for themselves and learn more about the equipment soldiers carried and their experiences on the Western Front. We finished Day 1 with a visit to the Menin Gate, chocolate shopping in Ypres and attendance at the Last Post ceremony. Nivani, Tomas and Oliver represented the school at the ceremony and laid a wreath on our behalf.

Day 2 was spent exploring the battlefields of the Somme in France. Students visited Sunken Lane and the Hawthorne Crater and our expert guides helped students to understand more of what the experience of fighting at the Battle of the Somme would have been like. After lunch, students learnt more about medical care and processes on the Western Front and Logan, Theo and Noah took part in a demonstration of the role of the stretcher-bearer. In the afternoon, we visited the Newfoundland Memorial Park and ended the day at the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, where students had the opportunity to use the registers and search for names they may recognise.

On our final day, we headed into the nearby town of Poperinghe to visit Talbot House. This carefully maintained house was a ‘home from home’ for British soldiers during WWI, a quiet and unique place behind the British lines where men could spend time relaxing, writing letters and meeting with serving friends, brothers and fathers. This unique opportunity allowed students to see a different side to the war and learn individuals’ stories and experiences, as well as enjoying a well-earned cup of tea! From Poperinghe, we headed to Langemarck German Cemetery where students were able to make comparisons between German and Allied cemeteries and learn more about the different approaches countries took to honouring their war dead. We paid a visit to Vancouver Corner, where students were given a presentation about the development of gas and Liam, Tomas and Farley took part, demonstrating the different types of gas masks that were developed throughout the war. Our final stop was Tyne Cot CWGC Cemetery, where students learnt more about the Third Battle of Ypres (1917) (Passchendaele), explored the memorial and heard about the brave actions of the soldiers buried there.

A huge thank you to all members of staff who supported the trip and to all the students who came along and demonstrated the utmost respect for these hugely significant places. I hope that the trip will enhance students’ understanding of the First World War and the experiences of the individuals that served.

Miss Evans

Head of Faculty for Humanities and History