35 students in Year 9 have returned from a trip to Normandy in France with Academy Librarian, Mr Wheatley, our Director of Learning for Languages, Miss Stephenson and History Teacher, Miss Best. The trip combined opportunities for students to develop their language skills with learning about French culture and World War II history.

Students began the trip with a visit to the Normandy American Cemetery and Visitor Centre, which covers 170 acres and contains the graves of over 9,300 military personnel, most of whom lost their lives in the D-Day landings and ensuing operations. Although seen often on TV, the rows of white headstones have a much more dramatic impact when seen in person. The group then travelled to the nearby Overlord Museum to discover the unique collection of more than 10,000 pieces, including personal effects of soldiers, tanks, vehicles and guns, and the life size reconstructions which trace the history of the Battle of Normandy until the liberation of Paris. They then went to Omaha Beach and visited the Memorial Museum of Omaha before heading to Bayeux for some free time.

To learn more about WWII, the group visited Ranville War Cemetery, located in the very first village liberated in France. This cemetery contains 2,236 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, 90 of which are unidentified. They then enjoyed their packed lunch and free time at Arromanchesles-Bains, the historic seaside resort famous as a pivotal sector of the D-Day landings, before visiting the Museum du Debarquement, also known as The D-Day Museum. This fantastic museum houses an impressive collection of original items from the D-Day landings, from weapons, military equipment and vehicles, to uniforms and a host of personal effects.

Students enjoyed the immersive nature of the exhibits with thoughtfully designed exhibits and audio tour. Mr Wheatley, our Academy Librarian who organised the trip said, “As expected, the trip gave students the opportunity to see and experience some fantastic WWII exhibits and memorials whilst practising their French language skills, but it was also invaluable in terms of building self confidence and independence alongside a desire to embrace global travel.”