On Thursday 25 and Friday 26 May 2023 ninety Year 8 Historians took part in two days of activities based around the First World War whilst some of their peers were on a residential trip to Belgium and France. We passionately believe that all pupils should have access to activities designed to enrich their curriculum and pupils were excellent across the two days of activities.

Following an assembly introducing the itinerary and the historical context, pupils began with code breaking led by our Maths Faculty. Here the pupils put their mathematical skills to the test to see if they have what it takes to be involved in military intelligence.

Period Two saw all ninety pupils take part in an activity in the Main Hall to enhance their understanding of the chain of events that led to the outbreak of WW1. After completing research, pupils created paper chains to demonstrate the links between events, began to categorise the causes and consider to what extent they were long- or short-term causes of conflict and tension.

After a short break, pupils began a rotation of activities including creating a newspaper on the end of WW1 and the peace that followed including the Treaty of Versailles, producing a tour guide to the key sites of WW1 and the War Graves that mark the sacrifice of those involved in the conflict and investigating infection and illness during the First World War with our Science faculty. To finish off the first day of enrichment, pupils took part in a special PE lesson with military-inspired drills featuring team exercises. The hour of exercise was a great way to round off a busy day and the sunny weather made it all the better.

On Friday morning, pupils continued with the rotation of activities they began the previous day and had the opportunity to investigate and produce WW1 inspired propaganda and take part in a WW1 themed escape room, all designed to deepen their understanding of the First World War.

Following a shortened lunch break, the ninety Year 8 historians made their way to our large Drama space to watch War Horse on the big screen. This fantastic cinematic interpretation of the First World War opens pupils’ eyes to the role of animals in conflict and presents the experience of both British and German soldiers in great detail.

The two days of History enrichment were a great way for pupils to finish off Year 8 before moving up into Year 9 after half term and we were incredibly impressed with the maturity and diligence displayed by the pupils across both days.