Alec Hunter Academy pupils visit Ypres and the Somme with WFA grant

Alec Hunter Academy, Braintree, Essex is the latest school to have benefited from a Western Front Association grant. They used their £500 grant to enhance a visit to the battlefields which took place over the Easter holidays. The grants are made possible because of a generous donation from one of our members.

45 pupils and 4 staff from Alec Hunter Academy spent a 4-day residential based in Ypres, Belgium. It is with much appreciation the grant provided by the Western Front Association helped towards funding the visit. 

Our first visits were to Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Poperinge Death Cells, Sanctuary Wood, Essex Farm and the Yorkshire Trench.

“I was nice to see the graves and learn about every soldier, to respect and remember them for everything they went through for us”.
Olivia and Lily, Year 10. 

“I really enjoyed looking at the trench systems as it brought to reality the harsh conditions the soldiers faced during the war”.
Evan, Year 10

On the second evening the pupils were able to experience the last post ceremony at the Menin Gate. 

“Laying the wreath was an extreme honour and impactful - I certainly won’t forget it. The silence to commemorate all the graveless soldiers will stay with me and truly highlights the horrors of WW1. It reminds us why we should respect our fallen soldiers immensely”
Heather, Year 10

On the third day we travelled further south to the battlefields of the Somme. The Canadian memorials are spotless and beautiful. Visiting really helps us appreciate the different perspectives from people who served from everywhere in the world. 

“I greatly enjoyed the stories and history I have learnt. The Hooge Crater Museum stuck out as I saw images of the horror of war and at Vimy Ridge where I learnt about the Canadian sacrifice” 
Felix, Year 10

“I was moved by the smallish wooden chair, which was beside the enormous crater we saw. It symbolised all the people who didn’t return home after the war” 
Madeline, Year 10 

It’s hard to realistically sum up the pure value of such a trip for teenage pupils. Though their reactions and behaviour at each location was moving - many wanted to pay their respects in the visitors book on behalf of themselves and their school. 

“I enjoyed learning lots more about key events and battles, especially I liked that I got to see it myself - like Hill 60 or the Lochnagar Crater. Walking through trenches and seeing shell holes showed me the full effect of WW1.”

“A personal highlight was getting to take home small pieces of history and being able to pass on my experience. The cemeteries were particularly humbling." 
Lennox, Year 10. 

The whole trip educated pupils beyond the classroom; they have a far more rounded understanding of the First World War. For those GCSE pupils, they were able to witness the medical aspects of war and the evacuation system which will help them write answers based on the real evidence. 

WFA grants

The Western Front Association offers grants to schools to support teaching and learning about the First World War, including small grants for schools that have taken part in WFA competitions and activities. Details are available on the schools and competitions page.