"The Battlefields Trip was such an eye-opening and moving experience. We always learn about facts and figures in class but actually being there made it all feel so real."

These are the words of Emily, who went on our annual Year 9 History Trip to the World War One Battlefields of France and Belgium.

Seventy-six students and seven members of staff enjoyed the trip this year. The group spent four days visiting some of the most notorious stretches of the Western Front, and developing an understanding of the courage, sacrifice, and loss that the First World War entailed.

Mr James Foster, who is Head of Year 10/11 and Teacher of History at King's Ely Senior, said: "We started off at Vimy Ridge, where we learned about the development of trench warfare, and how tactics developed around this. This included a trip down a tunnel used as part of the offensive in 1917. Pupils also took in their first memorial – the stunning Canadian National Vimy Memorial – which also served to highlight the contributions of the British Dominions throughout the war.

"The following day was based around the Battle of the Somme. Having visited the Hawthorn Ridge Crater and Sunken Lane on the previous day, pupils were well-primed to engage with the horrific events of 1916. Sites such as Newfoundland Park, Delville Wood, and Ulster Tower were brought to life throughout the day by our excellent guides. They were superb at drawing out some of the most infamous spots on our route, and picking out powerful individual experiences from the headstones in the military cemeteries we visited. This also included a colourful demonstration of the layout of the German defences in July 1916, and why this posed such a challenge for the British.

"We also visited Lonsdale Cemetery, where Mr Thomas shared the story of 2nd Lt. William Orr Hampton, an Old Elean from the Norfolk Regiment who was killed at the Somme on 1st July 1916, along with his best friend 2nd Lt. Roland George Ingle. Hearing of their sacrifice highlighted a compelling personal connection with the war through their shared experience of King’s. We finished the day at the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, hearing more stories of former King’s pupils whose names are on the memorial, before finishing with a superb dinner in Ypres.

"Day three was focused more on the role of Belgium in the war. We began at Nieuwpoort to learn how the Belgians were able to thwart the initial German offensive. We then moved onto Diksmuide, the Trench of Death. This was a valuable opportunity to explore the only remaining original section of Belgian trenches from the war. It was also interesting to visit Vladslo German War Cemetery and reflect on the longer-term impact of the war on Germany. We headed into Ypres in the evening for the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate. Four of our pupils were given the opportunity to take part in the ceremony and lay a wreath on behalf of the school. They were also initiated as members of the Last Post Association. It was a poignant experience, and something that I am sure our pupils will remember for the rest of their lives.

"On our final day, we began with a walk around the village of Messines, featuring several memorials to Commonwealth nations. The Tyne Cot Cemetery was a fitting final destination to explore the history of the war, as the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world. Pupils were able to end the trip with some chocolate shopping in Ypres. The free chocolate for teachers was also massively appreciated by the staff after an action-packed few days!

"Despite the hot weather, pupils conducted themselves with decorum throughout the trip. I was particularly impressed by their maturity and solemnity at the Last Post Ceremony, but also appreciated their positive attitude and good company. I would also like to thank Mr Currie, Mr Thomas, Mrs Cox, Mrs Bradshaw, Mr Allen, and Miss Armstrong for their insight, support, and good humour throughout the trip."

Speaking about the trip in school this week, Emily said: "The Battlefields Trip was such an eye-opening and moving experience. We always learn about facts and figures in class but actually being there made it all feel so real. It was a memorable experience, from seeing the huge monuments and cemeteries with millions of names, to trying to beat a sub-15-second numbering off on the coach with a very competitive Mr Foster. For me, I found seeing two of my relatives' graves very touching."

Alexander said: "The 2025 Battlefields Trip was absolutely amazing. Witnessing the actual sites where real men and boys died in their millions was both an inspiring and provocative experience, and it really helped realise the horrors of the war as an actual suffering and not merely numbers on a page. Additionally, the tour guide for my bus group was amazing. He explained hugely important battles - strategically and morally - in an easy to understand, yet detailed way whilst avoiding an overly depressing mood. One thing I learnt that really stood out to me was the sense of progression. You always hear that World War One changed warfare forever, but this trip really showed the difference that it made as we progressed from brightly coloured cavalry regiments being mown down by machine guns, to tanks, accurate bombardments and flamethrowers. I was also selected to model a First World War Allied army uniform, which was admittedly very stuffy but still a great experience. Overall, this trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I would 100% recommend it to any Year 9s interested in History. It is now definitely up there as one of the highlights of my Year 9 experience."