During the first weekend of the February half-term, 27 intrepid GCSE History students embarked on a trip to the First World War Battlefields in Belgium. Day one started well, with an early ferry crossing allowing for more time at the first site, Lijssenthoek British Cemetery. After a long day, the meal and quiet evening in the hotel was most welcome.

Day two began with a visit to Essex Farm Cemetery before heading into the beautiful town of Ypres and time in Flanders Field Museum and the accommodating chocolate shop. Lunch was spent at Sanctuary Wood and the chance to explore the trenches before heading to Bayernwald and the German trenches. Dinner at the hotel was the prelude to the Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate, at which our two Upper V students, Mila and Sofia, laid a wreath on behalf of the school.

The final day included visits to Langemark German Cemetery and Tyne Cot British Cemetery, the largest cemetery for British and Commonwealth forces in the world. Although bitterly cold, the sheer scale of both cemeteries brought home the horrors of the First World War.

It was an excellent visit and the students should be commended for both their conduct, interest and enthusiasm.

Mr. Hawkins, Head of History