Battlefields Trip - a big thank you to Y8!
Over the weekend of 15 and 16 March 2025, 59 Year 8 pupils travelled to Belgium for this year's Battlefields Trip. They represented themselves well, and were a real credit to the College.
They followed instructions really well, were such fun to be around, and kept the balance of dark and light elements on this trip well.
Our bus driver, Stewart, said that the pupils were polite and tidy, leaving the bus in excellent condition following a weekend of use. The police at Border Control complimented the pupils, saying how well-behaved, and friendly they were and that they wished more schools were like this! The staff in our hotel were impressed with their punctuality, tidiness and organisation.
Throughout the trip they asked excellent questions, were respectful at cemeteries and engaged in the museums, trenches and dug-out experiences. On the bus, we heard some impressive sing-alongs. Amazingly, they still had energy after two long days; also thanks to Eddie lending us his speaker!
We had a brilliant weekend. Please pass on my sincere thanks to this group of pupils. They made the trip fantastic and were such a joy.
Kind regards,
Katie Tymon
Battlefields Trip Lead
The Battlefields Trip
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01. 6 am start on Saturday
Dawn outside Swanmore College
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02. The Memorial Museum Passchendaele
Image shows the outside of the museum - a red building with a veranda and balcony and 3 white chimneys.
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03. Inside the Memorial Museum Passchendaele
Image shows pupils looking at a 3D map of Passchendaele.
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04. Walking through the trenches at Passchendaele
Image shows a group of pupils walking through a trench, with woven wooden sidings.
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05. Across the trenches at Passchendaele
Image shows a view across the top of a trench at Passchendaele - it is a dark line in the ground, with trees and a blue sky in the background.
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06. A display of shell casings in the Memorial Museum
Image shows 2 pupils looking at a colourful display of painted shell casings from the war. The shell casings are different sizes and painted green, yellow, red, blue, grey or are brass.
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07. Tyne Cot Cemetery
Image shows an uphill view of white headstones, laid out in neat rows, against a bright blue sky.
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08. The Menin Gate
Image shows the back of the Menin Gate, approaching it from the town. It is made of white stone, and the inside of the arch is lit. A small crown is gathered inside.
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09. Taking part in the Menin Gate ceremony
Image shows a pupil holding a wreath of poppies, ready to take part in the ceremony.
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10. Walking back to the hotel from the Menin Gate
Image shows the sky above Ypres at dusk, with an illuminated church tower, and food stands and the neon lights of fairground stalls.
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11. Evening fun at the hotel
Image shows pupils playing air hockey, and arcade games in the hotel.
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12. Inside the Flanders Field Museum
Image shows teacher and 3 pupils looking at an information board
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13. Exhibit at the Flanders Field Museum
Image shows pupils looking at an interactive display of the front lines.
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14. Uniform display at the Hooge Crater Museum
Image shows 2 pupils looking at different uniform items in a glass-fronted display.
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15. Welcome sign on the chocolate shop
Image shows the window of the shop with a sign saying welcome Swanmore College.
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16. Inside the chocolate shop
Image shows the pupils inside the chocolate shop.
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17. Last stop in Belgium - hot chocolate and apple tart
Image shows the pupils sitting at tables eating apple tart and drinking hot chocolate.
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