Year 9 Battlefields trip

On Thursday 28th March, fifty Year 9 students departed from the school to begin the annual RHS Battlefields Trip. This residential trip to France and Belgium explores historical sites linked to the First World War and aims to provide our students with chances to immerse themselves in the historical landscape, which they have been studying in school. 

The students were expertly guided by former RHS Deputy Headteacher, David Rich, who took students to a multitude of important historical sites. Students were able to walk in the footsteps of soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Somme and the several battles, which took place around the Belgian town of Ypres. 

Notable highlights included a moving morning at the Sunken Lane battlefield, visiting Tyne Cot cemetery, and visiting the site of the Christmas Truce in 1914, where soldiers famously stopped fighting to exchange gifts and play a game of football - a scene our students recreated on the very same site. Following this, there was a visit to Compiegne, where the Armistice was signed in 1918. 

Students enjoyed several nights in our very own Chateau, where one evening they had the opportunity to try the French delicacy escargot - snails! There was also plenty of time for students to relax and spend time with friends: there was a trip to a theme park; shopping for Belgian chocolate in Ypres; and on a pit-stop at the beach at Calais. 

Our Year 9 students did the school proud and were a delight to take on the trip. Harley, Year 9, said: “I really enjoyed the whole trip, especially the Christmas Truce memorial. Mr Rich was so knowledgeable and taught me loads.” 

Bianca, Year 9, commented that she “loved spending time with her friends in a different country and studying a subject I am really passionate about. I particularly enjoyed visiting the cemeteries.” 

Thank you to all of the students for their excellent behaviour throughout the trip and we look forward to organising the trip again next year.