Compass Community Schools honoured Remembrance Day through a range of thoughtful and creative activities.
At Boleyn Park, learners explored the significance of the day through a themed assembly before expressing their reflections through art. Each learner created a unique poppy painting, using colour and texture to represent remembrance in their own way. On Tuesday 11th, the school took the Primary children to the local cenotaph in Westcliff-on-Sea to observe the two minute silence.
At Fen Park, learners crafted a striking wreath from hand-coloured poppies, to lay at the remembrance memorial in Boston. Staff and learners also took part in a commemorative door-decorating activity, transforming their office door into a powerful tribute. Learners later attended the townâs memorial service, where they represented their school with pride.
Their behaviour was exemplary throughout, showing deep respect during the proceedings. One Fen Park learner was chosen to lay the handmade wreath at the memorial. Learners also had the opportunity to meet the townâs mayor and pose for a group photo with him, making the occasion even more memorable.
At CCS North, learners visited the Royal Armouries in Leeds to take part in a World War I workshop designed to deepen their understanding of the lives of soldiers during the Great War. Guided by a drill sergeant, they were introduced to some of the training routines used by the Royal Armyâlearning how to march, salute, present arms and carry out basic drill movements.
After their session, learners took part in the two-minute silence while standing in parade formation, marking the moment with respect and reflection. They then had the opportunity to handle a range of WWI artefacts, including uniforms, gas masks, spades, trench clubs, and examples of historical weapons. Throughout the visit, learners showed maturity and curiosity, asking thoughtful questions about the realities of life in the trenches and the experiences of those who served.
Staff and learners at Willow Park and Willow Dean marked Remembrance Day in their own ways, visiting places of remembrance and taking time to reflect on its themes.
Athelstan Park gathered at 11amâwhere teacher, Mr Gibbons, performed The Last Post on the horn. Ms Robbins, the deputy head, then read For the Fallen, by Laurence Binyon. Students respected the silence and listened intently to both the music and the reading. Given the location of the school to forces bases, the air raid warning was also heard across the town to mark the beginning and end of the period of silence.
Other examples included Eld Park, who took the opportunity to enable a wider discussion of its importance, and Aylward Parkâwho made a poppy wreath and took it to the local church St Margaret in Leiston, Suffolk. The respectful nature of Remembrance was observed across the Compass community, reflecting Compassâ dedication to fostering empathy, respect, and a deeper understanding of history across our community.
