The Royal British Legion’s ‘Thank you’ Campaign

Upper School’s Remembrance Assembly was particularly poignant this year, 100 years since the end of the First World War.

Upper School participated in The Royal British Legion’s ‘Thank you’ campaign by writing thank you letters to a variety of people who had served, sacrificed or made changes to our world. 

Year 4 learnt about children like Reginald Cooper who sacrificed half a day at school every day (including his beloved sport, music and art lessons) to work in the harsh conditions of the cotton mills making fabric for aeroplane wings.

Year 5 was fascinated by the inventions inspired during World War I, such as Harry Brearley’s discovery of stainless steel and the invention of vegetarian sausages and blood banks to save lives.

The Year 6 girls looked at the tireless efforts of female surgeons who set up all-female medical units and hospitals to help the war effort, even when their help wasn’t wanted by male officers. The Year 6 boys studied war photography by Ernest Brooks to consider its impact on communicating the truth of the war.

The assembly brought all these stories to life through drama, film and choral speech. We were exceptionally proud of our Upper School children. One parent in the audience emailed us to say,

“I’d like to thank you for an absolutely excellent Remembrance Day service today which was so well planned and moving, respectful and informative. The children were just wonderful.”

If you would like to see the beautiful poppies made by Early Years, the poetry and watercolours from Middle School as well as the beautiful thank you letters from Upper School, they are all on display in the main hall. Click here to see some of the letters from Upper School.