Battlefields memories
At the end of last term, our Year 10 students took part in a two-day enrichment trip to Belgium and France, designed to deepen their understanding of the First World War and explore how we remember its legacy today. The visit included key sites in Ypres and the Somme, where history came alive through memorials, cemeteries, and preserved battlefields.
Throughout the trip, students were excellent representatives of Wilson’s School. They showed genuine curiosity, maturity, and empathy, engaging thoughtfully with the historical and emotional significance of each location.
Early in the trip, students explored how different countries remember their fallen soldiers. They visited both German and British Commonwealth cemeteries, comparing how each nation commemorates its dead. This led to thoughtful conversations about how remembrance can vary depending on culture, history, and perspective. It was a powerful reminder that studying history helps us understand not just the past, but also how people today choose to honour it.
One of the highlights was the visit to the Passchendaele Museum, where students explored a recreated underground tunnel system. The immersive experience included the sounds and smells of trench warfare—not the most pleasant experience for everyone, but one that students handled with good humour and resilience. They also took part in a 3D surround-sound recreation of the Battle of Passchendaele and walked through a trench system that vividly illustrated the conditions soldiers faced.
Later that day, students attended the Menin Gate ceremony in Ypres, joining others in observing a solemn two-minute silence. Some also enjoyed the famous Belgian chocolate and took in the beauty of the town, balancing reflection with moments of light-hearted enjoyment.
On the second day, the group travelled to the Somme, where they walked through the physical landscape to uncover the story of the battle. Many were struck by the haunting beauty of Beaumont-Hamel, the site where many Newfoundland soldiers lost their lives. Students explored trenches over 100 years old and visited battlefield grave sites, gaining a deeper appreciation of the scale and sacrifice of the war.
The trip concluded with a deeply moving ceremony at the grave of Private Perrott, an Old Wilsonian who gave his life in service during World War One. On behalf of the governors, staff, and students the Deputy Headmaster laid a wreath in memory of all Wilsonians who have given their lives in conflict. A two-minute silence followed, observed with great respect by all. Three of our students (Arjun, Mahmood, and Howard) read extracts from the school hymn. Their heartfelt delivery made the occasion both memorable and poignant, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.
We are proud of our students for their conduct and engagement throughout the trip. Their enthusiasm, empathy, and thoughtful reflections made this a truly enriching experience. We are already looking forward to taking Year 10 in 2026 for another unforgettable journey into the history of World War One.
