Year 9 embarked on a coach for Belgium and France to follow in the footsteps of the soldiers who marched to war between 1914-18. Having studied some of the causes, events and controversies of WW1 in class, they were well prepared.

The tour began at Ypres in Belgium, visiting the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917, Tyne Cot Cemetery (complete with a Cross of Sacrifice built on a huge German bunker) and the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate. They then travelled to the Somme battlefields in France, paying their respects in one of the many CWG cemeteries on the Western Front. Next they visited Newfoundland Park (Beaumont Hamel), a preserved battlefield cared for by Canadian volunteers. Finally, they returned to Ypres to visit the Sanctuary Wood (Hill 62 Museum). We are sure the pupils will reflect on this visit for many years to come.