Learning, Reflection and Respect: Year 8 Battlefields Trip

A large group of Year 8 pupils from the College standing together in a historic town square in Ypres, Belgium, during their battlefields trip.

Last term, Year 8 pupils visited the battlefields of Belgium, bringing their history studies to life through first-hand exploration, reflection and shared experience.

During October 2025 half term, a group of Year 8 pupils from the College travelled to Belgium to explore some of the most significant First World War battlefields, transforming their classroom learning into a powerful real-world experience.

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Trip Highlights and Reflections

Year 8 pupils from the College exploring a reconstructed trench at the Passchendaele Museum during their battlefields trip in Belgium.

Despite an early 5.00am departure, spirits were high as pupils set off on the first leg of their journey. The group’s first visit was to the Passchendaele Museum, where reconstructed trenches gave pupils a vivid insight into the conditions soldiers endured on the front line. This was followed by visits to Tyne Cot Cemetery and Langemark, both of which prompted quiet reflection as pupils took in the scale and atmosphere of these important sites.

One of the most moving moments of the trip came during a ceremony at the Menin Gate. Pupils stood together respectfully beneath the memorial’s arches, demonstrating maturity and thoughtfulness throughout. Staff were extremely proud of how the group conducted themselves and of the sensitivity they showed during such a poignant occasion.

A view from inside the Menin Gate in Ypres at night, showing the illuminated memorial arches and crowd during the Last Post ceremony.

Five pupils from the College wearing various uniforms stand together holding a poppy wreath at the Menin Gate memorial.

Pupils also had the opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Ypres, and a visit to the Leonidas chocolate shop in the city centre was met with great enthusiasm! The group then continued to Hooge Crater Museum, where an impressive collection of artefacts helped pupils better understand the realities and tactics of trench warfare.

A group of pupils from the College gathering excitedly outside the Leonidas chocolate shop in Ypres during their Year 8 trip to Belgium.

A line of pupils from the College standing with suitcases in front of the illuminated Cloth Hall in Ypres during the early morning of their trip.

Two pupils from the College stand together on a wooden balcony in front of a historic red triplane at the Hooge Crater Museum in Belgium.

Another poignant stop was Essex Farm Cemetery, the site associated with In Flanders Fields, offering a fitting and reflective addition to the visit.

A large stone memorial cross atop a tiered base with several wreaths placed at its foot under a cloudy, dramatic sky during the Year 8 trip.

A pupil from the College wearing a bright pink jacket kneels to respectfully place a poppy at a white headstone in a Belgian war cemetery.

Throughout the trip, pupils supported one another, embraced new experiences and showed genuine curiosity and engagement. They returned home tired but inspired, having shared an experience that deepened their understanding of history and will stay with them for years to come.

For more information about our school trips, including typical costs, timings and the year groups involved, please click here to visit our Trips page.