Year 9 students pay respects during Battlefields experience

Thirty-six Year 9 students took part in the annual Battlefields trip over half term from Sunday February 15th until Tuesday February 18th. This trip has taken place every year since 2009.

The Year 9s visited the following key sites associated with World War I: Talbot House in Poperinge, The Arras tunnels, Tyne Cot cemetery, Langemark cemetery, Essex farm cemetery, the Thiepval Memorial, the Vimy Ridge trenches, Newfoundland Park, the ‘Sunken Lane’ no-mans’ land area, and the Sanctuary Wood trenches.

Students also enjoyed a day trip to Paris where they went up the Eiffel Tower and spent some time shopping in picturesque Montmartre.

Students attend the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres, where three students laid a wreath representing Ruislip High. The students were Caitlin (9A), Daniel (9A) and Arshia (9W).

On the last day, students had a minute’s silence at the Ring of Remembrance at Notre Dame de Lorette.

Students were accompanied by Ms Lucas, Ms Vora, Mr Cahill and Mr Elsby.

Trip leader Ms Lucas said, “It is my fifth time going on the Battlefields trip and I would not have missed it with my year group. We had a beautiful time together, commemorating WWI soldiers of all backgrounds and celebrating peace. Year 9 made me so proud, being so mature, kind and respectful. I could not have dreamt of a better team of students and staff to go with!”