Additionally, they will have the opportunity to visit and learn about the battlefields and cemeteries of the First World War. This historical context will enhance their understanding as they transition to senior school, giving them a head start compared to many of their peers.

To prepare for the experience of visiting the grand cemeteries of the First World War, the boys participated in an informative session this week about the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The talk provided valuable insights into their extensive efforts across 170 countries and offered guidance on how to interpret the diverse headstones and memorial designs found worldwide. I’ve included some slides from the presentation along with an excerpt from a lovely thank-you letter written by Jago. In his letter, Jago expressed:

'Thank you so much for taking the time to teach us about the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. We all found it incredibly fascinating to learn about the important work you do and the reasons behind it. This knowledge will be incredibly useful when we visit the war cemeteries during our upcoming trip to Belgium. I have a relative – my great, great, great uncle, Lance Corporal Harry Bennett, who sadly fell during the First World War on 12th October 1916 at the age of 25. I’ve researched his service records and history on your website and found out that he is buried in Lonsdale Cemetery, Authuille, France. Knowing his story made your talk particularly meaningful for me. Learning about the CWGC has sparked a lasting interest that I will carry with me into the future.'

It’s heartwarming to see the boys engaged with such important history, and I'm sure this experience will leave a lasting impression on them all.

Mrs Joy Bailey
Head of History and trip leader