Schools in Evington and the 2014 Centenary
St Paul’s Catholic School
St Paul’s Catholic School was one of approximately thirteen schools from Leicestershire and Northamptonshire to take part in the First World War Centenary Battlefield Tours Programme. Accompanied by a serving member of the Lincolnshire Poachers Regiment, students spent four emotional and memorable days visiting historic sites in France and Belgium.
During the tour they visited the battlefields of the Somme, where the true scale of the casualties suffered on 1 July 1916 became clear. They saw the magnificent Thiepval Memorial, which towers over the surrounding landscape and stands in stark contrast to the smaller, beautifully maintained cemeteries such as Serre Road Cemetery No. 3. Students also learned about the story of the Accrington Pals, retraced their final steps and paid their respects at their graves.
Mrs Z. Walsh, History Teacher at St Paul’s, wrote:
“Ypres is a beautiful city and the Menin Gate is another memorial which literally leaves you speechless because of its size and beauty. The sheer number of names on the memorial, all soldiers who died with no known grave, is shocking.
We searched through the index book and located Private G. E. Trolove, whose name is inscribed on the Evington War Memorial. His name appears on one of the external panels of the Menin Gate near the top.
Our soldier guide was able to provide a modern-day perspective for the students. He answered hundreds of questions and was remarkably open in sharing his experiences of conflict.
The whole experience was incredibly sobering and all the students who participated learned a huge amount and experienced something that was truly life-changing. I would defy anyone to make such a visit and not be affected by it.
St Paul’s students are returning to Ypres in 2015 for a more extended study of the battles around Ypres, and our plan is to visit the Somme again in 2016 for the anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.”
Students also reflected on their experiences.
Abean George, a Year 9 student, said:
“This trip was definitely one of the most moving trips I have ever experienced and it has definitely changed me as a person.”
“One of the things that stunned me emotionally was seeing such a vast and unimaginable number of cemeteries and graves. When you hear that over 16 million people died in the First World War, it is difficult to comprehend. However, when you can literally see row upon row of graves stretching before you, it really makes you realise the enormous sacrifice they made and how young many of them were.
Another thing that surprised me was how much everyday life was affected. Villages that had once flourished were turned into desolate wastelands. Even 100 years after the war, farmers and villagers are still discovering bullets and shells in the fields where battles took place.”
City of Leicester College
Students at the City of Leicester College marked World Peace Day on 21 September 2014. Bilal Bux, then in Year 11, created an art installation consisting of 1,000 origami paper cranes, which was displayed as a memorial to peace.
Bilal chose the quotation:
“If we don’t end war, war will end us.”
H. G. Wells.
The school’s Religious Studies classes also discussed the moral and ethical issues surrounding war and peace.
Oaklands School
Students at Oaklands School were encouraged to consider what they would take with them if war forced them to leave their homes.
One pupil wrote:
“I would take Lego people, Lego cars, Lego trains and a Lego transformer to play with when I am bored. I would also take enough drinks so I don’t go thirsty.
Another said:
“I would take Batman toys because he’s my hero. I would take clothes to wear, a DVD to watch when I’m bored, and food because I like food.”
Judgemeadow Community College
Students at Judgemeadow Community College wrote more than 100 letters to an Unknown Soldier and read them aloud in the school’s memorial garden.
One student, Hassan, wrote:
Dear Ahmed, my brother,
I have been missing you so much. I cannot explain how I am feeling in words. Every time I walk past your room I am reminded of you and what you might be doing in the trenches.
Father’s health has been improving, and he is less disappointed about not being able to join the army because of his age. We all miss you greatly and hope that one day you will return safely to us.
Your loving brother,
Hassan.
Another student, Megan, wrote:
To my heroic older brother,
How are you, Tim? It feels like years since I last saw your cheerful face.
This letter cannot fully express how proud I am of you. Every day I realise how fortunate I am to have a brother like you. Even though you are not here at home, I know you will always remain close to me in my heart.
I often remember the happy times we shared. Mother was so proud as she watched you step onto the train to serve your country.
Since you left, I have been doing my bit too. Mother has taught me how to cook all sorts of things. I have even learned how to make your favourite pea soup and bread baked in dripping. I promise I will make it for you when you return home.
Your proud sister,
Megan
Remembering Through Education
All of the schools in the Evington area participated in the 2014 commemorations and contributed items to the Time Capsule that was buried beneath a commemorative slab at the Evington War Memorial. Their involvement ensured that younger generations played an important part in remembering the sacrifices of the First World War and preserving the stories of those connected with Evington.
