On Remembrance Sunday (Nov 10th) and Remembrance Day (Nov 11th), schools across the Two Counties Trust have taken a moment to join with their local communities in a period of reflection of the sacrifices made by those who came before us, in defence of their country and the world.
Heritage High School in Clowne, held a schoolwide remembrance service, complete with readings from staff, wreath laying by students and a playing of the last post from a member of the local branch of the Salvation Army. The service was lead by the Reverand Bryony Taylor who commented after the service how ‘Fantastic to see the respect given by the whole school, it gives me hope for the future’. The event was also attended by chair of governors Martin Edge, and Councillors Will Fletcher and Rob Hiney-Saunders.
Students at Heritage were also encouraged to bring with them photographs of family members who had contributed to the Armed Forces and World Wars. These photographs were then arranged into the memorial display that the service took place in front of.
Ashfield School in Kirkby-Ashfield joined other schools in the local area in helping to craft a display commemorating firefighters who served both locally and nationally during the the Second World War. Students did a fantastic job of decorating the inside of the fire station, creating a beautiful poppy waterfall display.
Students of the Uniformed Services course also represented the school by holding a Remembrance service in Ashfield Post 16’s Remembrance Garden.
Selston High School in Selston held the traditional school-wide 2-minutes silence. Headteacher David Broomhead ans a small staff team also took a small number of students representing local scouting and cadet groups to lay an artistic wreath at the local memorial, this wreath was comprised of single poppy drawings which also contained the names of fallen service members who had been a member of the Selston community. This was a lovely moment of public reflections for the school, demonstrating their commitment to relations with their local community.
The Manor Academy in Mansfield Woodhouse held a service at the beginning of the school day, Headteacher Katrina Kerry met with students who were members of cadet and scouting groups. Year 11 student Dylan who held the highest rank within the cadets present at the service, laid a wreath at the base of the school garden. Commenting on the excellent conduct of students during the service, Assitant Headteacher Lauren Orr Described the service as ‘A very emotional Day’.
Frederick Gent School in South Normanton was given a tremendous honour to be involved in the South Normanton Remembrance parade. Attending were Headteacher Chris Woollard, Chair of Governors Sally Bridges as well as the schools’ Head Boy and Head Girl who both laid a wreath from the school during the service. Mr Woollard also recited a reading as part of the service.
Some other school highlights across the Two counties Trust include Wilsthorpe School (Long Eaton) creating a corridor of remberance poems within their English department both Springwell and Swanwick Hall captured some beautiful images of their school to mark the day which can be found on their social media. Friesland School used their dedicated tutor time to craft artistic poppies. These poppies were then arranged into a range of fantastic art installations, transforming the school into a poignant symbol of remembrance.
Students across the trust have set incredible examples with their respect and conduct throughout remembrance day events. Thank you to all staff that have had a hand in the organisation of displays, trips and services.
Manor students attend a wreath laying service with Headteacher Mrs Kerry.
