Y9 Battlefields - June 2025

I write with enormous pride as we leave Tyne Cot, having finished our final act of remembrance and heard the story of how the Unknown Warrior came to be in Westminster Abbey. All the students who joined us on Calthorpe Park’s WW1 Experience have been amazing. Our guides, drivers, and the general public have all commented on just how outstanding our students have been over the last few days. They have been respectful, inquisitive, and have represented our school in the highest regard. They have been the best group I have ever taken on a school residential—it was truly a pleasure to take them on this trip.

Though their short-term memories of the trip may inevitably be filled with chocolate, laughter, and time with their friends, I hope they will always remember the bravery of the soldiers who fought. I hope they will reflect on the fact that one in three WW1 graves belongs to an unknown soldier who never returned home. Most importantly, I hope they will carry these deeper lessons with them for years to come and share their experiences with others.

We managed to include the majority of the hoped-for pilgrimages—a unique, moving, and valuable experience that will stay with the students for the rest of their lives.

     

The ‘Last Post’ ceremonies and two wreath-layings were sombre and powerful highlights of the trip. Huge thanks to Mr Walker, as well as Jasmine and Mia, who performed beautifully under considerable pressure.

The weather was spectacular, and some of us have certainly caught the sun! With perfect conditions, Vimy Ridge was able to shine in all its beauty. The warm temperatures made the ice cream stop at Ulster Tower particularly necessary—and very much appreciated!

         

My first big thank you must go to our guides: Andy, Ed, Dickie and Beth. They are the heart of the experience, as their limitless knowledge and enthusiasm bring the battlefields to life. They engaged students with personal accounts from soldiers who fought and practical demonstrations of WW1 warfare. Without them, our students would not have taken away nearly as much from this experience.

While the main focus of our three-day journey was visiting the battlefields during the day, students also clearly enjoyed their time together in the evenings at the hostel. They were able to relax by playing a variety of card games and sports, as well as sitting around to chat about their experiences and reflections on the day.

          

I owe a huge debt of gratitude not only to our guides and drivers (Vikki and Ash) but also to my eight colleagues who worked tirelessly to ensure the welfare of our students throughout the trip. Their dedication began long before we arrived, with hours of meticulous planning. In particular, I would like to thank Mrs Lambert for her invaluable support in organizing this trip. Four of our staff were experiencing this journey for the first time, and the WW1 Experience makes for three very long, physically and emotionally demanding days.

Calthorpe Park’s WW1 Experience will return next year, in June 2026, when we will take our current Year 8 students on this journey of understanding and reflection. Keep an eye out after October Half Term for the official trip launch!

Mr M-J