Greenfield College represented the United Kingdom last week in a special commemoration event to mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.
As living memory of what was one of the deadliest battles of the First World War fades, the school has done a huge amount of work to raise awareness of the significance of World War One.
Greenfield, along with a handful of other schools across the country, worked in partnership with schools in the Somme region in France to allow pupils from both countries to discuss their shared history, build friendships and to commemorate British and French allies who lost their lives in the Battle of the Somme, 100 years on. The conclusion of this project was the official commemoration ceremony at Thiepval, France, which was aired on BBC One and attended by dignitaries from across the world.
Peter Davies, history teacher at Greenfield Community College, said: “This has been the culmination of many months’ work. The students produced some very impressive photography, wrote to French students and researched the role of the Durham Pals in the battle. Attending the official commemoration ceremony was incredibly moving, and I’m sure all those watching on television would agree with me when I say how proud we can be of our young people.”
“The Battle of the Somme was one of the most tragic battles of the First World War, in which more than one million men were lost. By engaging young people with their shared history, they can build understanding, skills and friendships for the future. These are essential elements for a peaceful and prosperous Europe.”