We have attended the Last Post Ceremony in Ypres this evening and three of our students laid a wreath as part of the ceremony. The behaviour of our students has continued to be totally brilliant and many people have stopped us to commend them on their behaviour and attitude. 

Both coaches have had a day exploring the sites around the Ypres Salient in Belgium. We have visited Talbot House, the Everyman’s Club, where soldiers were able to rest and recuperate away from the trenches. Both coaches listened to some incredible piano music played by our talented students. We also visited Tyne Cot cemetery, the largest British military cemetery in the world, along with Langemarck German cemetery. All students walked in the trenches at Sanctuary Wood, many venturing into the tunnels too. This afternoon both coaches met at Essex Farm and listened to ‘In Flanders Fields’ which was written by John McCrae who served at the dressing station there. 

We have spent a really wonderful day exploring sites in the Somme region. Both coaches have visited a number of sites linked to activity that took place on 1st July 1916. We were given a tour of Newfoundland Park, following in the steps of the Canadian soldiers who fought and died on the first day of the battle. We also visited Lochnagar Crater and the Devonshire cemetery. Students listened to Mr McChleery, who read a poem by William Hodgson, written in the days leading up to the battle. Both coaches met at the Thiepval Memorial and found names of men who are recorded as missing in the Somme region. We also got a chance to visit the South African memorial at Delville Wood.

Our  students have been engaged, polite and joy to spend time with. This evening some students and staff have sampled snails as an evening activity.  We’ve been proud to receive positive comments about our students from members of the public at sites we’ve visited.

Tomorrow we go to Belgium.

Both coaches had a great day visiting Vimy Ridge and having tours of the tunnels and the trench systems. The sun came out for our visit to the Canadian Monument and we spent time discussing the Canadian attack of April 1917. The behaviour of all students has been exemplary and we are very much looking forward to our day on the Somme on Monday. After our  evening meal students enjoyed some downtime in the games room.

Has there been a teacher or support staff who has helped you make a positive start this year? If so, let us know and share your thanks with them.