Visit to the WW1 Battlefields, March 2015

Funded by the government The Centenary Battlefield programme aims to introduce students from all schools across the UK to the importance of remembering those who fought in The First World War during the centenary years. So far more than 800 schools have taken part.

On 20^th March Mrs Page and two year 8 students embarked on a 4 day tour of battlefield and memorial sites linked to WW1. Sites visited included Thiepval memorial to the Missing on the Somme, The Menin Gate, The Death Cells at Poperinge and Tyne Cot cemetery. We were joined by serving members of the armed forces who helped to put the conflict into the context of modern soldiering.

We were also able to remember members of family who gave their lives in the war for both students. Seeing their ancestors’ names on the memorials was very moving. We also remembered William Allsopp who came from Barton Seagrave, and whose name appears on the Tyne Cot memorial wall. We hope to find out more about him in the terms following our return to school.

An incredibly interesting and moving trip.

"I enjoyed my trip to Belgium and France because I found out some more things about the war, made new friends and met a couple of solders. It has also changed how I think about the war and all who fought and died in it."

Jacob Pollard, year 8

"The tour was amazing. It was so enjoyable and I had the best of times. One of the most memorable parts of the tour for me was taking part in the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate. I found it very moving. The organisers crammed so much into every day of the tour that we were all shattered by the time we went to bed so we slept really well! The friends that I made on the tour I am still in contact with now, even though all of them either live in Nottingham or Birmingham. I enjoyed finding out about individual soldiers; both in our community and the commonwealth. We found out about William Allsopp who lived in Barton Seagrave, which I found very interesting. I am so glad that I went on this tour and would like to thank Mrs Page for giving me this brilliant opportunity."

Cate White, year 8