A School Trip to the Battlefields of France and Belgium
Repton School recently completed a three-day educational tour of First World War battlefields across France and Belgium. The trip gave pupils a powerful opportunity to explore key sites from the Western Front, deepen their understanding of the Great War, and experience historic locations first-hand. En-route from Tyne Cot to Ypres they went via the area of Pond Farm to see the memorial to 2nd Lt Henry Anthony Birrell-Anthony, an Old Reptonian killed during the second battle of Ypres and to whom his father erected the memorial stone (he has no known grave and is listed on the Menin Gate).
Day 1 Highlights
Arrival in Belgium and transfer to Ypres
Participation in the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate
Wreath-laying ceremony to honour fallen soldiers
Day 2 Highlights
Visit to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial
Exploration of the Arras Memorial and Cemetery
Stops at the Ulster Tower and Thiepval Memorial
Walkthrough of preserved trenches at Newfoundland Park
Evening meal at the historic Ocean Villas Tea Rooms
Day 3 Highlights
Visit to Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth war cemetery
Stop at a private memorial for a former Repton pupil commemorated at the Menin Gate
Return via Ypres
The Educational Value of Battlefield Tours
This school battlefield trip provided a unique way for students to connect with World War I history. By visiting the landscapes and memorials of the Western Front, pupils gained a deeper understanding of trench warfare, the human cost of conflict, and the importance of remembrance.
Why Battlefield Tours Matter in Education
Trips like these offer powerful experiential learning opportunities. They complement classroom teaching by giving students a tangible sense of historical events and their lasting impact. Repton School’s visit was a valuable extension of its curriculum, reinforcing historical knowledge through reflection and real-world engagement.
What did Repton Teacher, Mr Nat Pitts says About the Tour?
What did you enjoy most about the trip?
''All of it. I have never been on the trip before, so I found the whole trip very interesting. Each site had its own value and importance but obviously Vimy Rige and Newfoundland were impressive as were the Thiepval and Tyne Cot Memorials.''
Do you have any feedback on the Tour Guide?
‘'His Knowledge was amazing and engaging. He worked hard to engage with the pupils and had a questioning approach, rather than a straight verbal delivery. He involved them in demonstrations and readings and teased out far more than many an individual would be able to do.''
And would you like to re-book this trip again?
Yes!
On a scale of 1 -10 how likely are you to recommend TCBC to a colleague?
10
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