Honouring the past and inspiring the future at The Valley Leadership Academy

Across the school, pupils and staff came together in acts of reflection, service and community engagement – each one nurturing a shared sense of responsibility for peace and understanding.

The commemorations began as Year 11 prefects unveiled a thoughtful initiative titled ‘Remembering for Peace’ – designing a reflective remembrance card which was then lovingly crafted by pupils in Years 7 and 8. These cards were distributed among local care homes, charities and community groups, sharing messages of remembrance and hope.

Acts of remembrance also extended to The Laurels Care Home, where Year 9 volunteers joined residents for the two-minute silence. This was followed by an afternoon rich with warmth and friendship – tea and poppy cakes shared between generations, and an hour of spirited wartime songs and dancing led by GreaterGoodCIC. For Year 9 pupil Isabella Parkinson, the event was a poignant reminder that Remembrance Day is as much about connection as it is about reflection: “I went to The Laurels and joined the residents for the Remembrance service. Afterwards, we played games, sang songs and I even played the keyboard! It felt good to make a difference – I hope they enjoyed our cakes!”

The school’s presence at local ceremonies was equally heartfelt. A group of dedicated pupil leaders proudly represented the school at the Stacksteads Act of Remembrance, where they recited ‘In Flanders Fields’ with dignity and composure as part of the ceremony. Year 8 pupil Bailey Kenyon shared: “I feel really proud that I represented the school at the Remembrance service. Reading a verse of ‘In Flanders Fields’ felt very special, and it was moving to hear the music and see all the veterans there.” On Remembrance Sunday, pupil leaders and staff once again stood shoulder to shoulder with local residents at the Act of Remembrance in Bacup, where they laid a poppy wreath at the Cenotaph to honour the fallen.

Within school, an Act of Remembrance ceremony – led by pupil leaders and staff from the History department – brought everyone together in a moment of thoughtful reflection. Pupils also organised social activities encouraging their peers to consider how they can become peacemakers within their own communities. Lovingly painted ‘Peace Pebbles’, were placed at the local Cenotaph, cadets led the school’s poppy sales with pride, and Years 7 and 9 created a striking ‘Be Hopeful’ tree, inviting pupils and staff to attach peace pledges and messages of remembrance.

Colette Roberts, Principal at The Valley Leadership Academy, highlighted the significance of the week’s activities, saying:

“We are incredibly proud of our young people who have chosen to support our community’s Remembrance commemorations. When children come together to honour those who served and sacrificed so much for our freedom, they learn lessons of resilience and hope that transcend generations. Their actions during Remembrance week show the strength of character and compassion that will shape tomorrow’s leaders.”