When it comes to inspiring a lifelong interest in history, nothing compares to stepping outside the classroom and into the past itself. For Thomas Bennett Community College, a guided day trip to the First World War battlefields in Ypres with Anglia Tours has become a powerful way to do exactly that.
We spoke to Gareth Hawker, Group Leader, about how the trip has transformed student engagement, deepened understanding, and opened up new opportunities both academically and personally.
Why the WW1 Battlefields?
At Thomas Bennett Community College, the decision to visit Ypres wasn’t accidental—it was driven by student enthusiasm.
“It is a very popular topic we study at Key Stage 3… the one where the kids were most inquisitive and where they did the best homework and got the best results.”
Recognising this excitement, Gareth saw the perfect opportunity to take learning further:
“I thought let’s take this one stage further and actually go to visit the place I’ve been studying.”
The result? A richer, more meaningful connection to the curriculum that students remember long after the trip ends.
Driving GCSE Uptake Through Experience
One of the most compelling outcomes of the trip is its impact on subject choices at Key Stage 4. Gareth has seen a significant increase in uptake for history in comparison with geography.
“The trip sows the seed for what they can do in key stage 4.”
The battlefield experience doesn’t just support learning, it actively inspires students to continue studying history, helping departments grow and thrive.
Why a Day Trip Works
With a high proportion of pupil premium students, accessibility is key.
“We felt the kids wouldn’t have access to the funds… so the day trip was ideal.”
Despite the short timeframe, the itinerary is carefully designed to maximise learning, including visits to:
· Tyne Cot Cemetery
· Lijssenthoek Cemetery
· Preserved trenches
· Key Ypres battlefield sites such as Hooge Crater and Vancouver Corner
“I’m happy with what we do… we cover cemeteries, trenches… it’s a really good taster.”
For many students, it’s their first time abroad, making the experience even more impactful.
The Value of a Guided Tour
A key factor in the success of the trip is the expertise of Anglia’s guides.
“It certainly helps… he knows the exact timings of each place. For example if I did the Tyne Cot Cemetery by myself, I wouldn’t know how long to spend there. And he’s got all the stories that go behind it.”
Guides bring history to life with:
· Engaging storytelling
· Expert knowledge of sites
· Efficient itinerary management
“It’s just organised better if you’ve got a guide.”
Gareth also highlighted how guides like Paul connect particularly well with students:
“Paul’s absolutely brilliant… especially with the weapons and the uniform. He just hits the spot.”
Meeting Key Study Objectives
The trip directly supports important curriculum goals, helping students understand:
· The causes of WW1
· The realities of trench warfare
· Why the war became a long-term conflict
· Conditions faced by soldiers, including:
o Illness
o Weaponry
o Daily challenges
“Those are the sorts of things we cover.”
Seeing these elements first-hand makes abstract concepts tangible and memorable.
Emotional and Personal Connections
For many students, the experience goes beyond academics.
The college encourages students to research family connections to the war, creating powerful, personal moments:
“We ask them to look into their family history… one colleague found her great uncle’s gravestone… and I found my Uncle Albert’s.”
These discoveries resonate deeply:
“They’re quite emotional… it gives them a sense of closure and makes the trip feel personal.”
Building Confidence and Cultural Capital
Beyond history knowledge, the trip is an ideal way to support enrichment objectives and wider student development:
“We try to help them become better human beings, to appreciate that there have been wars in the past.”
Importantly, Gareth highlights the impact on students with additional needs:
“It turns them into people that are more approachable… more confident.”
What Students Love Most
While every element has value, some clear highlights emerge:
· Walking in real trenches
· Hearing personal stories in cemeteries
· Visiting another country
· Even small moments—like the chocolate shop or Channel Tunnel journey
“They come back beaming… they’re still talking about it in Year 11—two years later.”
A Smooth and Stress-Free Experience
Planning school trips can be complex - but Gareth emphasises how Anglia Tours makes it easy:
“It’s been very easy to organise… any issue we’ve got is changed very quickly.”
Even unexpected disruptions are handled efficiently:
“When we were delayed for two hours, they sorted it and this the best bit, even a free ice cream on the other side.”
After a previous poor experience with another provider, the difference is clear:“That’s an example of how not to do it… Anglia are just very well organised.”
Teacher Recommendation
When asked if he would recommend a guided battlefield trip:
“100%. We always come back saying that went well.”
While trips can be stressful to organise, working with the right partner makes all the difference:
“You take the stress out of it a lot.”
Top Tips for Teachers
Gareth’s advice for schools considering a trip:
· Visit the destination in advance if possible
· Book early to secure the best timings
· Use online resources (like YouTube) to build familiarity
· Consider how to connect visits to your curriculum objectives
Final Thoughts
The Ypres day trip with Anglia Tours shows how a well-designed, guided experience can:
· Boost academic engagement
· Increase GCSE uptake
· Build confidence and cultural awareness
· Create lasting memories
Above all, it demonstrates that even a single day can have a lasting impact.
“They’re still talking about it years later… that says everything.”
Choose to travel with history experts who will support throughout your planning process and beyond