Embedded Files
History Battlefields Trip to France and Belgium
Last weekend, CCF historians embarked on a powerful and moving three-day trip to the World War One battlefields in France and Belgium. The experience brought history out of the classroom and into the landscape where it was made, deepening our understanding of the impact of the war and its lasting legacy.
Friday
The trip began bright and early with a 4am departure from school. Despite the early start, luck was on our side: we caught an earlier ferry than planned, giving us more time to explore the historic town of Ypres.
Our first stop was St. George’s Memorial Church, where we reflected on the contribution of our school’s former CCF students who fought in the First World War. A moving moment came when the students saw a plaque honouring those brave individuals.
Later, we visited the Passchendaele Museum, an immersive and thought-provoking experience. Students explored reconstructed trenches and dugouts, giving a visceral sense of what life was like on the Western Front.
That evening, we enjoyed a group meal at Les Halles restaurant in Ypres before gathering at the Menin Gate for the iconic Last Post ceremony. This nightly tribute to the fallen soldiers of WWI was especially poignant as two of our own—Franklin and Eva—had the honour oflaying a wreath on behalf of the school.
Saturday
Saturday began with a visit to the Canadian National Memorial at Vimy Ridge, where we took a guided tour of the underground tunnels and front-line trenches. The vast memorial, set high on the ridge, was a striking tribute to the Canadian soldiers who fought there.
From there, we journeyed into the heart of the Somme battlefield. Highlights of the afternoon included a visit to the enormous Lochnagar Crater—left by a mine explosion on the first day of the Battle of the Somme—and a stop at the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, where over 72,000 names are inscribed. We also passed the Ulster Tower, a reminder of the 36th (Ulster) Division’s involvement in the conflict.
After the Somme tour, the students enjoyed dinner at the Chateau before spending some time in the games room.
Sunday
Our final day took us back to the Ypres Salient, where some of the war’s most intense fighting took place. At Tyne Cot, the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world, students paid their respects and heard the story of William Eastman—after whom our school’s Eastman Cadet Trophy is named. Standing before his name on the memorial wall was a powerful connection to our own school history.
The day continued with a visit to Vancouver Corner, home of the “Brooding Soldier” memorial to the Canadian troops who endured the first gas attacks of the war. We also visited Langemark German Cemetery, offering a different perspective on the shared loss of the war.
Before heading home, we stopped for a well-earned treat at a chocolate shop in Ypres.
This trip gave students an unforgettable opportunity to walk in the footsteps of those who served over a century ago. The sights, stories, and ceremonies provided a deeper appreciation of the war's scale and the sacrifices made. It was a moving and educational experience that will stay with us for a long time.
Visit to Martin School
Mr Georgiades spent the afternoon at Martin school with 88 Year 6 students demonstrating a heart dissection. There were question and answer sessions and Mr Georgiades even helped them perform their own dissection, as part of their heart and circulatory system unit. The students enjoyed the practical learning and all teachers were extremely grateful to Mr Georgiades for making this a memorable experience.
Christ's College Finchley Showcases Innovation at the 22nd UCL IOE Confucious Institute Annual Chinese Conference
Last Saturday, Ms Woo, Head of Mandarin, delivered an insightful workshop on “Generative AI in the Chinese Classroom” at the 22nd UCL IOE Confucius Institute Annual Chinese Conference. This interactive session introduced Chinese language educators to Generative AI, focusing on how to craft effective prompts for ChatGPT and explore practical ways to enhance teaching and resource creation.
The workshop attracted around 100 educators from across the country and received excellent feedback for its relevance, innovation, and engaging delivery. Christ's College Finchley is proud to contribute to the national dialogue on advancing Chinese language education, demonstrating our commitment to pedagogical excellence and leadership in digital learning innovation.
UPDATE: Unfortuantely due to a family emergency Ahley Hickson-Lovence has had to reschedule his visit. We will communicate the new date as soon as it is confirmed.
Thank you
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