Year 9 Visit to Belgium Posted on: 22 Oct 2014
At the end of the summer term, nearly 50 Year 9 pupils, accompanied by five members of staff, visited Belgium and northern France. The trip coincided with the centenary of the onset of World War I. The tour was very intense and was based mainly in the Ypres region of Belgium.
The tour included visits to many museums and cemeteries which gave pupils an insight into the dreadful conditions of this war. To provide a balance for our pupils, there was also time to visit the famous Leonidas chocolate shop in Ypres, which insisted on giving us free samples! On the return journey, we were able to visit the Somme region and improve our understanding of the Battle of the Somme. One evening, we were able to visit the Menin Gate in Ypres and heard the emotional ‘Last Post’ played. Our pupils laid wreaths – one for a fallen relative and one on behalf of the school. Pupils and staff found this ceremony very moving.
