Remembrance, Reflection and Rollercoasters: Year 10’s Unforgettable Journey to Ypres

Date:  14th July - 16th July 2026

Where: Belgium

Year 10 students recently embarked on an unforgettable three-day study tour to Ypres, Belgium, where history came to life through a powerful programme of remembrance, reflection and exploration.

Travelling through the battlefields of the First World War gave the students the opportunity to move beyond the classroom and experience first-hand the places where some of history's most significant events unfolded. Throughout the visit, they developed a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by those who served while gaining a greater appreciation of the realities of life on the Western Front.

Day One: Walking in the Footsteps of History

The journey began in the heart of Flanders Fields with a visit to the Passchendaele Museum. Here, the students explored interactive exhibits showcasing the uniforms, equipment and harsh living conditions experienced by soldiers during the First World War.

The group then visited Essex Farm Cemetery, home to the former Allied advanced dressing station where Canadian doctor Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae wrote the famous poem In Flanders Fields. One of the most poignant moments of the day came as the students gathered at the grave of Private Valentine Joe Strudwick, who was just 15 years old when he lost his life. Standing before his headstone was a powerful reminder of the youth of so many who fought during the conflict.

The day concluded with time to explore a local Belgian village, allowing the students to reflect on the day's experiences while enjoying the welcoming atmosphere of the region.

Day Two: Trenches, Contrasts and the Menin Gate

The second day offered an immersive insight into the realities of trench warfare with a visit to the Sanctuary Wood Museum (Hill 62). Exploring the preserved trenches gave the students a vivid understanding of the cramped, muddy and dangerous conditions soldiers endured on the Western Front.

The surroundings also inspired creativity. One talented art student, Jack, captured the atmosphere beautifully by sketching a lone soldier sitting in the mud beside the trenches—a thoughtful and moving response to the experience.

The group then visited two contrasting cemeteries, each offering a different perspective on remembrance.

At Langemark German Cemetery, the final resting place of more than 42,000 German soldiers, the students reflected on the sombre atmosphere created by the dark stone markers, many commemorating several soldiers together. Known as the "Student Cemetery", the site serves as a poignant reminder of the many young men who lost their lives during the First World War and was later used for propaganda during the Second World War. The visit to the “student cemetery" also prompted discussion about the age of many of those who served. It is estimated that up to 250,000 underage teenagers served in the British Armed Forces alone, with many lying about their age to meet the enlistment age of 18 or the overseas deployment age of 19. One of the youngest known soldiers was Sidney Lewis, who enlisted at just 12 years old and fought during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. Standing among the graves, the students were struck by the realisation that many of those who fought—and in many cases lost their lives—were little older than they are today. The experience brought history into sharp focus, helping them appreciate the courage, sacrifice and unimaginable responsibility placed on young people their own age during the First World War.

The contrast at Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world, was striking. The immaculate rows of white headstones stretching across the landscape stood as a moving testament to the scale of sacrifice made during the First World War.

Later, the group travelled into the historic town of Ypres, where the students enjoyed exploring the town and sampling traditional Belgian chocolate before gathering at the iconic Menin Gate Memorial.

Bearing the names of more than 54,000 Commonwealth soldiers who have no known grave, the Menin Gate provided the setting for one of the most memorable moments of the trip. During the daily Last Post Ceremony, the students stood together in respectful silence as the buglers paid tribute to those who never returned home.

Two Year 10 students had the honour of laying a wreath on behalf of the school during the ceremony, representing the school community with dignity, maturity and respect.

Day Three: A Well-Earned Thrill at Bellewaerde

After two days of powerful reflection and historical discovery, the final day in Belgium offered the perfect opportunity to relax and celebrate everything the students had experienced together.

The group spent the day at Bellewaerde Theme Park, enjoying adrenaline-filled rollercoasters, exciting attractions and fascinating animal exhibits. The laughter and smiles throughout the day provided a fitting balance to the emotional experiences of the previous two days before everyone boarded the coach for the journey home.

An Experience to Remember

The visit to Ypres was far more than a history trip. It was an opportunity for the students to deepen their understanding of the First World War, reflect on the importance of remembrance and appreciate the lasting impact that conflict has on individuals, families and communities.

By standing where history happened, exploring preserved battlefields and memorials, and taking part in one of the world's most moving acts of remembrance, classroom learning was brought vividly to life.

The trip also demonstrated that educational visits are about more than academic knowledge. They inspire creativity, build friendships, encourage empathy and create lifelong memories.

The school is incredibly proud of the maturity, respect and enthusiasm shown by every student throughout the visit. From moments of quiet reflection at the Menin Gate to the excitement of Bellewaerde's rollercoasters, Year 10 embraced every opportunity with curiosity, compassion and outstanding conduct.