Year 9 Ypres Trip - September 2026

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of taking a group of Year 9 students on a trip to Ypres. Throughout the day, we visited a number of significant First World War battlefields and cemeteries, helping to bring to life many of the events and stories we have explored in our History lessons.

Despite it being a very long day, I was blown away by the engagement, enthusiasm, and maturity of our students. They asked some fantastic questions, showed genuine curiosity, and demonstrated a real interest in understanding the experiences of those who lived through the war. It was wonderful to see so many making connections between what we have studied in the classroom and what they were seeing firsthand.

Trips like this remind us of the value of learning beyond the classroom. While lessons provide us with important knowledge, visiting historic sites allows us to experience history in a much deeper and more meaningful way. Standing in the places where major events unfolded helps us develop empathy, understanding, and a greater appreciation of the past. It was fantastic to see so many of you embracing this opportunity and making the most of every moment.

Year 9 were excellent ambassadors for the school throughout the day, and should be incredibly proud of the way they conducted themselves.

Thank you Year 9 for making the trip such a memorable experience and well done to all involved!

Miss Oxley

History