In October last year, myself and other Welland Park Academy students from Years 8 and 9 went on a two-night educational history trip to explore World War I sites and memorials.
The journey took us through Belgium and France, where we learned about the battles and remembered those who sacrificed their lives.
Our first stop was a World War I museum in Belgium, followed by visits to several memorials dedicated to British, German, and Canadian soldiers. The following day, we travelled to Vimy Ridge, where we learned an unexpected fact: sheep in the area had once set off remaining landmines. We also visited the Thiepval Memorial, which honours the missing soldiers from the Battle of the Somme; some students even found their grandparents’ names on the wall.
We continued to Talbot House and the Flanders Field Museum, both of which gave us insight into the lives of soldiers during the war. Another memorable but thought-provoking stop was at a massive crater left by a landmine explosion.














One of the highlights for many of us, and my favourite part of the trip, was a visit to a chocolate shop called Leonidas. It felt like stepping into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory! The shop offered all the students a 10% discount, and although no one could remember the shop owner’s name, everyone loved him.
We spent a lot of time on the bus, and our driver, Steve, was loved by everyone. However, our experience at the Calais ferry port was a little intimidating. The security staff on the French side seemed strict, and they watched us closely as we went through.
Overall, it was an unforgettable trip that deepened our understanding of World War I and the bravery of those who served.