Remembrance Day is an important time to reflect and think about those who have lost their lives or still fighting due to war. There’s always the traditional one-minute silence, but we as a school (Therfield) have decided to take it further. The History department this year made the choice to hold multiple events to mark Remembrance, one that all student participated in was writing a message to the Unknown Warrior, these were then displayed on the 11th November during a service that was held during the minute silence. The service also consisted of the reading of the Last Post, a poem read by Mr Malley the Head Teacher and the laying of a wreath by a student who is part of cadets. We also had an installation put up in the foyer inspired by the artwork ‘War Rooms’ by Cornelia Parker. The installation layered material left over from the production of Poppies and was donated to us by the Poppy Factory. To say thank you for their donation we are raising money for the Poppy Factory by taking part in their ‘500 Challenge’. Our challenge was to cycle for 500 minutes in 1 school day and through sponsorship.

    Asking Miss MacGregor, our history teacher and the lead organiser, she quoted that the message she wished to send out was, ‘By completing the message to the Unknown Warrior… students had time to reflect on the bravery and sacrifice made by soldiers… it was important to hold a service to mark the minute silence because it was an opportunity for the school to come together to show respect to those that died at war. The artwork installation encouraged students to think differently about the Poppy and its use as a symbol of remembrance… Finally the 500 Challenge encourages students to participate in a whole school event and donate to or raise sponsorship for a charity, therefore giving them opportunity to make a difference in society.’

    The events were well received with the Remembrance service being ‘very well attended, with well over ¾ of the school attending, including 6th form students.’ The experience was definitely enjoyable, as the school was able to come together and reflect on an important subject. Miss MacGregor had also quoted, ‘I think Remembrance Day is an excellent opportunity for the school to come together as a community to reflect of the sacrifice made by some many at War and to make a difference to disabled veterans by raising money for charity.’ In conclusion Remembrance should be a respectable day that should reflect the consequences for war.

Sheree-Rania Usman Binasing, Therfield School