Learning about war - and peace

Primary school pupils in Garstang have been on a school trip with a difference '“exploring the battlefields of France and Belgium.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Nov 2018, 09:26 BST
Updated 22nd Nov 2018, 10:29 BST
Year five and six from Garstang St Thoans's visited the battlelfields of France and BelgiumYear five and six from Garstang St Thoans's visited the battlelfields of France and Belgium
Year five and six from Garstang St Thoans's visited the battlelfields of France and Belgium

The Year Five and Six pupil at Garstang St Thomas’s CE School visited the First World War battlefields and war graves as part of their topic on Peace and War.

Headteacher Jim Blakely said: “The trip has allowed the children to have a deeper understanding of the war and the importance of remembering it.

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“My hope is that by teaching our children about war, it will mean they do all they can to be peacemakers.”

Pupils from St Thaomas's CE in Garstang paid their respects tothose who died in the First World WarPupils from St Thaomas's CE in Garstang paid their respects tothose who died in the First World War
Pupils from St Thaomas's CE in Garstang paid their respects tothose who died in the First World War

Deputy head Kate Stewart, who led the trip, added: “Visiting museums in Passchendaele and Vimy Ridge meant the children could walk through the trenches, and see for themselves important historical sites.

“It was important for the children to pay their respects to soldiers from Garstang at memorials such as the Menin Gate and Tyne Cot Cemetery.

“The children each left a prayer on the grave of an unknown soldier, and laid wreaths from Garstang St Thomas’ as a mark of remembrance.

“They feel like they have made their own journey to the trenches and it has allowed them to understand the bravery and sacrifice of local men from Garstang and members of their own families.”

Related topics:GarstangFranceBelgium