SCHOOL’S across Solihull marked Remembrance Sunday today with a special service.
Primary schools in Summit Learning Trust, Yarnfield Primary, Pegasus Primary, The Oaklands and Erdington Hall marked the day by making poppies and a two-minute silence.
Cockshut Hill School welcomed Anita Bhalla OBE, Deputy Lieutenant, representing the Lord-Lieutenant of West Midlands, to their Act of Remembrance.
Claire Pilkington, a long-standing member of Cockshut Hill staff, played the ‘Last Post’ on the cornet.
The day at Lyndon School was sombre but reflective, learners at the school leave a legacy for future members of the Lyndon family through the planting of poppies in their Remembrance Garden, which is a permanent visual reminder of the sacrifice of others.
Through participation in Remembrance themed activities such as crafting poppies in Art, reading about the experiences of soldiers in English, or exploring the reasons for conflict and the impacts of it in History, learners have gained a greater grasp of the reasons why they should practice tolerance and understanding, as well as of the importance of our democracy and why it should be protected.
Ninestiles, held a service which included a poem by a learner, a speech by the Principal, Alex Hughes and then a two minute silence.
They have also held a programme of assemblies with all learners throughout the week on the topic of Armistice Day.
Vince Green, CEO of Summit Learning Trust said: “Participating in an annual Remembrance ceremony provides our learners with an opportunity to reflect on and honour the sacrifices of those who have given their lives to protect our democracy, and to consider those who continue to do so now.
“I am thankful that colleagues from across our Summit family have made efforts to ensure that our children and young people will go home this week aware of the significance of us marking Armistice Day.”
Over 1100 pupils, staff, governors and invited guests gathered in Solihull School’s Great Quadrangle today to remember those who died in the World Wars and other conflicts.
Wreaths were laid at the War Memorial by the Head of School, Hannah Greenwood; CCF Cadet, Laavunya Arora; Flt Sgt Rob Reader, RAF (Jago 1992 – 2003) representing all past and current Old Silhillian serving officers; President of the Parents’ Association, Julie Jones; President of the Old Silhillians’ Association, Steve Urry; President of Saint Martin’s Old Girls Association, Louise Cox; Governor, Paul Newby; The Bursar, Richard Bate and the Executive Headmaster, Charles Fillingham.
A rendition of the Last Post was played by Lower Sixth student Kieran Bown, followed by a two-minute silence, the Reveille played by Third Form pupil Izzy Olden, and a Roll of Honour, before Mr Fillingham recited the traditional tribute to The Fallen.
The Act of Remembrance was live streamed to 450 Prep School pupils and staff on the Saint Martin’s campus, and was followed by a Sixth Form Chapel Service led by Chaplain, Reverend Rachel Hill-Brown.
