Keep reading to hear from parents of students that attended the most recent tour, as well as from the trips group leader George Marshall-James. We find out more about how these trips impact the students, the valuable life experiences gained, and why Calthorpe Park School still continue to book their battlefield trips with Anglia Tours after nearly ten years (and counting!)
How was your most recent battlefields trip experience?
I write to you with enormous pride as we leave Tyne Cot, having finished our final act of remembrance. All the students who joined us on Calthorpe Park’s WW1 Experience have been amazing. Our guides, drivers, and the general public have all commented on just how outstanding our students have been over the last few days. They have been respectful, inquisitive, and have represented our school in the highest regard. They have been the best group I have ever taken on a school residential—it was truly a pleasure to take them on this trip.
Are you happy with the level of support offered before and during the tour?
Messines Peace Village as always was excellent and our coach drivers could not be more helpful and helped to make the trip (Vikki and Ash). Julia as always brilliant with dealing with any admin need or last-minute query, always goes above and beyond to support us at CPS.
What role do you feel our guides play in enhancing the WW1 battlefields trip experience?
We had the most amazing battlefields trip. This is mainly down to our outstanding guides who we have worked with for many years. We 100% want them again next year and every trip moving forward. My first big thank you must go to our guides Andy, Ed, Dickie, and Beth. They are the heart of the experience, as their limitless knowledge and enthusiasm bring the battlefields to life. They engaged students with personal accounts from soldiers who fought and practical demonstrations of WW1 warfare. Without them, our students would not have taken away nearly as much from this experience.
What do you hope your students will carry forward from these experiences, long after they’ve returned home?
Though their short-term memories of the trip may inevitably be filled with chocolate, laughter, and time with their friends, I hope they will always remember the bravery of the soldiers who fought. I hope they will reflect on the fact that one in three WW1 graves belongs to an unknown soldier who never returned home. Most importantly, I hope they will carry these deeper lessons with them for years to come and share their experiences with others. We managed to include the majority of the hoped-for pilgrimages—a unique, moving, and valuable experience that will stay with the students for the rest of their lives. The ‘Last Post’ ceremonies and two wreath-layings were sombre and powerful highlights of the trip. Huge thanks to Mr Walker, as well as Jasmine and Mia, who performed beautifully under considerable pressure.
What do you think your students have gained from these trips, both academically and personally?
While the main focus of our three-day journey was visiting the battlefields during the day, students also clearly enjoyed their time together in the evenings at the hostel. They were able to relax by playing a variety of card games and sports, as well as sitting around to chat about their experiences and reflections on the day. The weather was also spectacular, and some of us have certainly caught the sun! With perfect conditions, Vimy Ridge was able to shine in all its beauty. The warm temperatures made the ice cream stop at Ulster Tower particularly necessary—and very much appreciated!
What are your plans for future battlefields trips with Anglia Tours?
Calthorpe Park’s WW1 Experience will return next year, in June 2026, when we will take our current Year 8 students on this journey of understanding and reflection. Keep an eye out after October half term for the official trip launch!
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Let us start planning your next exciting history tour today!
If you’re interested in booking a fully guided history tour with Anglia Tours, you can request a quote online here.
You can also contact us by telephone on 01376 574130, or email [email protected]
For more about our WWI Battlefield Tours, click here, or browse our range of fully guided history tours, click here.
