Stockport Academy students explore WW1 trenches in History trip

Chris Prince / 29 June 2015 / Categories: News

Stockport Academy’s Y9 History students walked through the trenches of WW1 as part of their recent trip to the battlefields of France and Belgium.

The annual visit is an opportunity for students to have their lessons brought to life and also pay their respects to those who lost their lives in the conflict.

After travelling overnight on a ferry from Hull to Zebrugge, the group checked into their hotel before visiting the Flanders Field Museum, where they saw artefacts from the First World War and some very interesting exhibitions.

The afternoon of their first day was spent visiting Private Peaceful’s grave at Bedford House Cemetry near Ypres, before heading off to Langemark German cemetery and Tynecot Cemetery – the latter of which is the largest military cemetery in Europe.

In the evening, students went out for a meal, visited a chocolate shop and then observed two minutes’ silence at the Menin Gate. Three students – Megan Deans, Emily Cooper and Danny Boylan – laid a wreath on behalf of staff and students at the school.

The following day, the group headed to the Somme, visiting the Lochnager Crater. The crater was created on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, when a huge mine was exploded under the German lines.

At Newfoundland Park, students walked thought the trenches to see where No Man’s Land would have been.

Mrs McGahey, who organised the trip, said: “The visit to the French and Belgian battlefields was a real eye-opener for the group, who saw first-hand what they had already learned about in many of their lessons.

“The opportunity to bring history to life like this is invaluable and makes a huge difference in helping students understand the horrors the soldiers went through during the First World War.

“As ever, our students behaved impeccably throughout the visit and were a credit to Stockport Academy.”