Sharing the highlights from the Battlefield trip

In the early hours of Tuesday 17th June, a group of excited students and staff from Durham Academy set off on an unforgettable journey through history. Departing school at 2 a.m., we made our way down to Dover to catch the P&O Spirit of France ferry, crossing the English Channel and arriving in France by mid-morning. From there, we continued our journey north into Belgium, ready to explore the lasting impact of the First World War. 

Our first major stop was the moving Lijssenthoek Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Cemetery. Here, students learned about the causes of the Great War and the brutal early battles of 1914. The visit offered an opportunity to reflect on the ethos and mission of the CWGC, which honours those who died in the service of their countries. Discussions also covered the vital contributions of Empire troops and the role of women during the war. It was a powerful experience that brought the human cost of conflict into clear focus.

After an informative and emotional afternoon, spirits were lifted by a quick visit to a local chocolate shop, which gave students a taste of Belgium’s world-famous sweet treats and a chance to pick up souvenirs for home.

The evening concluded with a visit to the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres — a solemn and deeply moving tribute that takes place every evening to honour the fallen soldiers of the First World War. As the bugles sounded, the significance of the day’s learning was brought home in a poignant and unforgettable way.

Our second day in Belgium and France was equally powerful and packed with learning opportunities that brought the realities of the First World War to life for our students.

We began the day with a visit to the stunning and solemn Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery. It was here that we took a moment to reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of the Durham Light Infantry (DLI), with a special tribute paid to a fallen soldier who was a relative of one of our own students. This deeply personal connection made the experience all the more poignant and meaningful for the whole group.

Next, we visited the Passchendaele Museum, which features a recreated British bunker system. This hands-on experience allowed students to explore underground shelters and gain insight into the cramped and difficult conditions soldiers endured. In the afternoon, we made our way to Hawthorn Ridge Crater, a powerful reminder of the brutal and destructive mine warfare that characterised the Western Front.

We also passed the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing – a towering and sobering monument that honours over 72,000 British and South African soldiers who died in the Somme sector and have no known grave. 

On the third day of our journey, we visited Langemarck German Cemetery—an important and thought-provoking part of our tour that allowed Durham Academy students to see the First World War from another perspective.

Unlike the grand and regimented Commonwealth cemeteries, Langemarck has a sombre and understated atmosphere, reflecting the different ethos behind German war memorials. Here, the focus is on mourning and loss, with mass graves and dark stone markers that offer a contrast to the white headstones seen elsewhere. This contrast prompted deep reflection among students about how different nations commemorate their fallen.

We discussed the idea of the “Slaughter of the Innocents”—the tragic loss of thousands of young German student volunteers during the early stages of the war. Their stories served as a sobering reminder that grief and sacrifice were experienced on all sides of the conflict.

The cemetery also gave us the opportunity to explore its significance beyond the First World War. We examined Adolf Hitler’s visit to Langemarck in 1940 during the Second World War, and how sites like this were later used for political propaganda. 

Our visit to the German cemetery was a vital part of the trip, encouraging students to broaden their perspective and understand that the stories of war are complex, human, and shared across borders.

We then visited Neuve-Chapelle Indian Memorial, a moving tribute to more than 4,700 Indian soldiers of the British Army who died during the Great War and have no known grave. Surrounded by serene countryside, the memorial honours the bravery and sacrifice of the India Corps, who played a crucial role on the Western Front. 

On the final day of our unforgettable journey, our students visited one of the most iconic and striking sites of the First World War — Vimy Ridge. Set against the backdrop of rolling hills and sweeping views of the Douai Plain, the site provided a powerful conclusion to our tour of the Western Front.

As we looked out, the scale of the battlefield and the significance of the victory at Vimy became clear. Students reflected on how the landscape — once torn apart by war — now stands as a place of peace, memory, and respect.

The entire journey was an eye-opening and moving experience — one that we know will stay with our students for many years to come. The end of our journey was a sobering one - we were able to do what thousands of soldiers were not able to do during World War One  - come home. 

Mrs Anderson 

Signing up for ACCESS all areas reward trips and activities

Students have gained access to the end of year ACCESS all area rewards this week and have expressed their interest in a number of opportunities. 

Due to the huge rise in transport costs, we are asking for a £5 contribution to cover the costs of coaches and buses. The school will cover the cost of activities and the number of achievement points required reflects the overall cost and duration of the activity as well as whether it includes food. 

If you are facing financial difficulties, please do not hesitate to contact reception to discuss the contribution. If you are able to give more than £5, this could help to cover the cost of another child who may not be able to. If you are able to give more please contact reception. 

We have made it possible for every student in school to get a reward- they just need to be a STAR student and attend school. 

Now that they have expressed an interest, they will be given a letter and consent form on Monday. Forms should be returned to reception and places are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Once the form is returned, the £5 will be added to parent pay and this can be paid anytime up until July 17th. Full details about each trip are outlined on each letter.

If they do not secure a place, they will be offered a different reward. 

If your child does not have enough achievement points to access a reward at present, they still have enough time to secure one and all remaining places will be held open until the places are filled. 

You can see how many points your child has by downloading the classcharts app. 

Playing table tennis. A lot

Our table tennis tables are now fully installed and it has been fantastic to see them being used every break and lunchtime. 

A huge thank you to the site team, Mr Potts and Connor for building them so quickly. 

The competition has been strong (staff and students!) and we are very much looking forward to our first outdoor table tennis tournament.

Enjoying the dartboard

Thursday darts is fully up and running and the atmosphere was great in last night's session. 

We have some very talented darts players (Aaron in particular) who are forming a formidable team. 

Thank you to Mr Kenmure, Mr Heppell and Ms Meale for making this possible.

Recognising great attendance

Miss Chapman's Tutor group have been absolutely determined to maintain the top spot this week and once again, took the gold medal for attendance. 

Well done 7KCh! 

Miss Blankley's tutor group have stolen the silver medal from Miss Davidson's group with 97.1%, leaving Miss Davidson in bronze medal place this week with 97%

Another early lunch is up for grabs next Friday so please ensure your child is in it to win it by attending every day. 

Advertising another opportunity

Dr Atwal is offering another fantastic STEM opportunity this week. 

Encourage your child to sign up so they don't miss out. 

Celebrating work of the week

The Cafe was full of work of the week this week with Art and Maths competing for the most fabulous nominations. 

All students received 20 achievement points and an early lunch. 

Well done everyone!

Making our brains hurt

Eight of our year 10 mathematicians took part in a the very first Maths Gala at Durham Sixth Form Centre.

They worked with year 12 students and completed maths challenges on functions and quadratic sequences followed by some tricky maths puzzles based on A level maths.

An amazing afternoon of learning was had and all students worked hard and had some maths fun too!

Commending year 8

A whopping 70% of Year 8 students have participated in an ACCESS activity this half term. From cricket to coding they are developing a huge range of extra-curricular skills which are not only enjoyable but develop character and teamwork too. 

There are a huge range of ACCESS activities on offer and it's not too late to sign up. Clubs will run until Friday 11th of July as the last week of term is absolutely packed with competitions and activities for all.