On Thursday 8th of November, Year 8 students took part in an event to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War, as part of Big Learning Day. Pupils learnt about the war in a carousel of activities throughout the day. With Mrs Carter and Mr Mills they discussed war poetry, which they found really interesting, and helps them to understand a key topic for their English work. With Mrs Forrester they looked at the costs of the war. Ms Gray talked to them about the vital role of women in the war, and how their lives were changed as a result. Mr Handley’s groups prepared a timeline of the key events of the war, such as the famous football match which took place on Christmas Day 1914. We were also extremely lucky that the team from Frontline History could join us for the day. Richard and David brought real artefacts from the war, such as soldiers’ uniforms, weapons and gas masks. David explained the key pieces of equipment, and students could even smell what the gas used in the trenches was like. With Richard, pupils discovered the various injuries suffered by soldiers and how they were treated; this topic is on the GCSE History exam, and so was really useful.

Overall 100% of the students said they enjoyed the day, and we also received lots of positive comments such as:

‘I had an incredible day’

‘This was the best BLD so far. I have been waiting for a history related one for a long time’

‘I honestly don’t think it could be any better, this was amazing!’