To mark the centenary of Armistice Day, hundreds of our students from Years 7 to 11 took part in the British Legion ‘Thank You’ campaign by writing letters of thanks to real people affected by World War One. In English lessons, pupils considered the huge sacrifices made, not only by the soldiers, but by a whole generation of people who served and supported the nation’s war efforts – in their homes, on the land, in the factories, and across the Commonwealth.

The recipients of the final letters were hugely varied – some were family members, some were medics, some were great pioneers and some were young men who had lived in the streets that our students tread each day – but all were alike in the way that they drew the respect, admiration and humility of our young people. It was a moving and memorable exercise, one which we hope will enable the students to continue to look backwards into history, and forwards into the future, with a renewed sense of pride, tolerance and determination.