Commemorating Armistice Day

The infant and junior school commemorated Armistice Day 2018 with an enrichment day, to mark 100 years since the end of World War 1.

The girls handmade their own poppies for a stunning display outside the Infant School on Fulwood Road, featuring a cascade from the window so passers-by could see the red collection of 1277 individually made flowers. A flower bed was also planted with custom-made poppies in the front yard.

The Junior School made their own art piece, featuring wounded soldiers made of poppies inspired by the famous painting ‘Gassed’ by John Singer Sargent, of troops being led across the battlefield after being blinded by mustard gas. The girls chose to have a variation from the traditional scarlet colour and incorporated poppies with a colourful rangoli pattern, to show respect for the soldiers from other countries, particularly in India, who fought alongside British soldiers.

The painting was incorporated into Year 6 drama experimenting with freeze-frames. To encourage pupils to consider the emotions and thoughts of the soldiers in battle, the girls acted out the scene shown in ‘Gassed’, understanding its theme of tragedy.

Armistice day also extended to the senior school: Year 10 pupils Amy and Ashwini have been shortlisted for the University of Lincoln’s Armistice 100 Poetry Prize for their World War 1 themed poetry entries. The poems were judged by the Poet Laureate, Dame Carol Ann Duffy and will be included in a published anthology. The girls will attend a prize giving ceremony on November 15.

The day concluded with an assembly to pay respects for the soldiers, with a minute silence and Year 4 reciting the traditional Armistice poem, ‘In Flanders Fields’ by Canadian military doctor and artillery commander John McCrae. It was an incredibly moving end to the activities, and everyone showed sincere and heartfelt gratitude for those serving our country, both today and in World War 1.