Year 8 History: First World War Battlefields Trip: Ypres & Vimy Ridge

Exploring the Global Legacy of the First World War

Last weekend, a group of 80 enthusiastic Year 8 students embarked on a two-day residential visit to the historic battlefields of Ypres in Belgium and Vimy Ridge in northern France. The trip was designed as an engaging introduction to their study of the First World War in Year 9, offering students a powerful opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world history.

Over the course of two days and one night, students explored key sites of remembrance, including the Passchendaele Memorial Museum, the Menin Gate, Tyne Cot Cemetery, and the striking Canadian National Vimy Memorial. They gained valuable insight into the lives of British and Empire soldiers who fought during the war and learned about the immense human cost of the conflict.

As a diverse and inclusive school, it was particularly important that the tour reflected the contributions and sacrifices made by soldiers from across the British Empire. Students visited memorials commemorating troops from Canada, India, the Caribbean, and other Commonwealth nations. This helped them to see the First World War not just as a European conflict, but as a truly global one — a war that involved people from many countries and backgrounds, and which forms part of our shared world history.

Beyond the historical focus, the students also enjoyed some lighter moments. They took part in the time-honoured tradition of Belgian chocolate shopping in Ypres’ main square, choosing from an array of authentic chocolates to bring home. The overnight stay provided a chance to bond as a group and reflect on the emotional impact of the memorials they had visited.

It was a memorable and thought-provoking experience for all involved, and one that has laid a meaningful foundation for their upcoming study of the First World War in history lessons next year. We were incredibly proud of the maturity, respect, and curiosity shown by our students throughout the trip.

Miss Maisey Subject Leader for History