Students brought their history studies to life when they swapped their classrooms for the World War I battlefields of France and Belgium.

The trip saw 65 Year 9 students from St Clement’s High School visit major, historic sites from the Great War, as well as take part in a special service.

The itinerary was organised by our Head of History, Anton Modica, and designed to support the group’s GCSE History studies.

“We visited the significant World War I war memorials, as well as key battlefields on the Somme,” he said. “We took part in the Menin Gate Remembrance Service, with the honour of laying a wreath for St Clement’s High School.

“We also visited Wellington Quarries, seeing where the New Zealanders lived and worked underground before the Battle of Arras.”

The trip has become an annual event at our school, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, and was taking place for the eighth time.

Other members of staff accompanying the students included History Teacher Anya Hawkins, Science Teacher Megan Fox, Maths Teacher Karl Brown, Geography Teacher Conor Malin, and Sally Wood, who is our Head of Religious Studies.

Mr Modica added: “Trips like this are important to build empathy and respect towards the massive sacrifices of our armed forces, not just in World War I, but all conflicts since as well.

“They add a layer of culture to the students’ school life, as well as bringing what they learn in the classroom to real life.”