Emotional visit to WW1 battlefields

The experience, organised by history teacher Lynsay Ashton, was linked to National Qualification courses which helped give historical fact real-life impact.

On the last evening of the tour, the 28 pupils dressed in full school uniform as a token of their respect to those who had fallen and joined the residents of Ieper (Ypres) village at the landmark Menin Gate for the Last Post ceremony.

In sombre mood and absolute silence the pupils were then encouraged to give one of the many thousands of unknown soldiers his own identity and to mourn his tragic passing.

Jordan Burrell and Emily Collins laid a wreath, Caitlyn Thomson recited a poem and Callum Hamilton held a lighted candle to pay tribute and remembrance to those who offered the greatest sacrifice of all.

The pupils reported the visit to be a truly moving experience that they would never forget and that it brought home the true value of history and the horrors of the First World War.