Year 8s head to the WWI Battlefields

Year 8 Historians travelled to France and Belgium to explore the WW1 battlefields. In Ypres, we walked through many trenches and paid our respects at the Menin Gate Last Post Ceremony where we were the guests of honour. Whilst we were there we visited Tyne Cot and Langemark cemeteries. We also travelled to the Somme to visit preserved trenches at Vimy Ridge and even explored Canadian ground at Newfoundland Park. Here we recognised the sacrifice of the Empire Troops. This gave all students a real sense of the scale of war and what life was like for those that fought for our freedom.

Read on to find out what they had to say about their experience and see what they did in the gallery...

The trip was incredibly amazing and informative. The trenches and the memorials were moving and well thought out. Also, the chocolate shop was fire. The museums had lots and lots of guns and interesting cannons. The trenches were amazing and we could put ourselves in the shoes of the soldiers.
Aditya D

While on this trip we visited many memorials and trenches. My favourite memorial was the Canadian memorial. I found everything we learnt very interesting and the museum had lots of exhibits that gave us a great insight on what life was like during the war.
Flo W

I loved the trip since it was fun and educational. The hotel was also brilliant and so were the staff. We went to many cemeteries of the fallen soldiers and also went to the trenches. I learnt a lot about the Somme.  The people running the places were really nice to our school allowing us to explore the trenches. My favourite part of all was the first museum we went to since I learnt a lot and there was a really cool underground bit. The trip there was long but we took the ferry which was really a cool sight. Overall, the trip was one of my favourites since of the cool sights and the learning experience. Special thanks to the bus driver and the people who ran the trip.
Lance G
 

When I went on the battle field trip it was extremely fun and very enjoyable, I was able to learn a lot like how many soldiers died from both sides and what people put in for them. We could also go into the old trenches and see what it was like for them down there and see how nature has changed them over time. We went to a chocolate shop and got lots of different deals. Overall this will be one of my most favourite trips I have been on and would love to go again.
James L

The trip was really fun. I loved looking at the trenches and also the Canadian memorial. For me the Ferry was probably my best travelling time as it was very relaxing to look at the sea. I loved spending time with my friends and teachers as now I have made new friends that are just as fun as my other friends.
Jessica S