Remembrance Day is always an important event in The Webber calendar during Term 1. Across the Junior School we took time to learn more about what Remembrance is by completing activities throughout the week in our Art, PSHCE, English and History lessons.
In Reception, Year 1 and 2 children used the story book ‘Where the Poppies Now Grow’ by Hilary Robinson to follow the lives of two young friends who joined the First World War together. We talked about the importance of soldiers and how they help to keep us safe and used the pictures to discuss some of the things that the soldiers might have seen and heard during the war. Year 1 children used what they had learned and created their own acrostic poems and Year 2 children learned about the Cenotaph, veterans and the importance of the poppy. Year 6 children have completed some excellent detailed critical analysis on Wilfred Owen’s poem ‘Dulce et Decorum Est’ reflecting on the effect of the language and images that create such an impactful poem.
Across the Junior school we have discussed the importance of the day, the Remembrance Service and the use of the poppy as a symbol. Each class used their Art lesson to create their own poppies using a variety of different materials and techniques. We had some beautiful collage poppies, careful sketches using pencils and acrylic paint and also some poppies where the middle of the flower was created using spent shotgun cartridges!
On Thursday morning we gathered as a school from our Nursery School Little Learners to Year 11 in a Remembrance Parade. Our Cadets started the service by marching together in front of the children and laying two wreaths on behalf of the School. Colour Sergeant Pearman spoke to us about the importance of the day and the work that the cadets had done to prepare for the service. Mrs Marsden recited the poem ‘The Poppy - I am Not a Badge of Honour’ by Paul Hunter, highlighting the significance of the poppy. We were fortunate enough to be able to hear the Last Post played by Keith Jones which the children all listened to carefully before pausing for two minutes silence together.
Throughout the week we talked about the work of the Royal British Legion looking at their website and video links during Form Time and our PSHCE lessons. The children were amazed that this charity was celebrating it’s 100 anniversary this year and we discussed how much they would have raised and how many families and veterans they have supported throughout this time. The children were encouraged to make their donations and wear their poppy with pride.
Miss Kerry Duff
Head of Junior School
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