Reflecting & Remembering: Y9 Battlefields Trip
2nd December 24
“The trip definitely changed my understanding of the war.”
Supporting students learning through trips, experiences or visiting speakers is a key part of the learning experience at KAS. Every November Year 9 students spend two days visiting WW1 sites in Belgium as part of their History studies.
Leon, Head of History and Politics has led the trip for many years, he explained: “The visit to Belgium really supports our teaching about the First World War in the Autumn Term, but on a holistic level it inspires important reflections on the sacrifices and hardships of conflict and warfare. For many students it is one of the most affecting and fascinating trips that they take part in during their time with us. It is not compulsory, but usually almost the entire year group takes part which was the case again this year.”
The group set off from KAS early on Thursday morning and their first visit was to Tyne Cot cemetery followed by the Sanctury Wood trench museum.
Experiencing the trenches at the Sanctury Wood Museum
The group headed into Ypres for dinner, and to sample some Belgian chocolates, before attending the ‘Last Post’ ceremony at the Thiepval Memorial.
Year 9 Students at the Thiepval Memorial, Belgium
On the second day they visited one of the most infamous battle sites at the Somme and reflected on the experiences of the soldiers through poetry from the time.
Students visiting significant Somme battlefield sites from WW1
Student view:
Looking back on the experience, Troy reflected, “It was good to visualise the places we’d learned about and see the reality of what it might have been like for the soldiers. The trip definitely changed my understanding of the war.”
Grace found the experience moving, “The battlefields trip was truly eye opening. Seeing shocking numbers like 22 million total deaths is crazy enough, but visiting the graves made it so much more real. It gave me a better perspective that these soldiers were real people, with real families and real lives. It is truly heartbreaking.”
Elliot found that it challenged his viewpoint: “As I looked out at what had been no man’s land, I reflected on the huge tragedy that this war was. In just 24 hours, my idea of war had been changed and it seemed no longer like a thing of glory and honor, but a thing that must be avoided. I don’t think I’ll forget this trip anytime soon, so thank you.”
Troy reflected on the importance of the trip, saying: “I think it’s important to know about the history of the country we live in and of surrounding countries, but also to make sure that we know what’s wrong with war. It’s certainly helps to cement the subject in your mind when you visit a place, so it helps you to learn.”
