From 22^nd - 24^th February 2018, 75 girls and 8 members of staff travelled to the First World War battlefields of Belgium and France. We visited some cemeteries and museums which showed the true horrors of the First World War and the devastation caused by four years of fighting. The weather was freezing and this made more real what the soldiers had to experience; as they fought, slept and ate in the trenches. The girls were wonderful, as were the staff and we would like to thank all for their time and enthusiasm. Please read some articles by three of our pupils who laid a wreath during the Menin Gate ceremony.

Mia Cameron 9E wrote the following:

On the 22^nd to the 24^th of February a group of Year 9 students had the opportunity to visit War sites and memorials in France and Belgium. We were able to visit the Menin Gate for the eight o’clock service. I was very fortunate, along with two other students, to be chosen to lay a wreath to commemorate the soldiers who lost their lives. The community took part in the service and the Last Post was played by local firemen. It was a very solemn service where we reflected on the sacrifice made by these soldiers, which enable us today, to live in a free democratic society. As I took hold of the wreath, I felt a huge amount of pride to be able to represent my school. However, whilst walking up to the stand and seeing the names of thousands of soldiers, it made me very sad.  I felt a lot of compassion for the families who were unable to bury their relatives. It was a privilege for us to visit these sites and to understand the huge sacrifices made. We thank the teachers for giving us this opportunity.