Faith under fire - Western Front Religious Studies Field Trip
A Religious Studies field trip to the battlefields of the Western Front offers an unrivalled opportunity to provoke thought and to generate student debate on some of the core topics in the RS syllabus. Our purpose designed itinerary includes a framework of sites that will give any debate a historical context, but we never lose sight of the main RS focus. Using case studies from the Chaplains Department, the Medical Services and some of key commanders we will trigger debate on a range of topics. Starting with the concept of a Just War we can progress through a previously agreed series of visits highlighting topics such as Conscientious Objectors, Laws of Armed Conflict, Medical Personnel in War, Religion (Multi) on the Battlefield, Non-Combatants in War, Remembrance and Commemoration. The content and sequence of the itinerary can be adjusted to suit your learning outcomes and will be delivered by an expert Galloway Historian.
Curriculum Links:
Linked to KS2-5 History and Religious Studies
PLACES TO VISIT
Hooge Crater Museum and Trenches
Hooge, a key WWI site near Ypres, is home to the Hooge Museum, showcasing artefacts, weapons and uniforms in its old chapel, along with a short film about the area’s battles. Groups can book the cafeteria for packed lunches. The site also features reconstructed trenches built in their original positions, offering valuable insight into frontline life (additional fees apply).
Talbot House, Poperinge
Poperinge remained one of the few unoccupied towns in Flanders and, in 1915, Talbot House was opened as an ‘Everyman’s Club’, where all soldiers were welcomed, regardless of rank.
The Menin Gate
The famous British War Memorial, with engraved names of over 54,000 missing British and Commonwealth soldiers who lost their lives on the Ypres Salient.
Itinerary Example
DAY 1: Travel from your school to the channel coast for morning crossing to Calais. Possible excursions in Ypres before checking into accommodation. Group to attend the Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate at 20:00.
DAY 2: Check out of accommodation after breakfast. Visit to Talbot House and the Firing Post in Poperinge before returning to Eurotunnel terminal in Calais for returning crossing back to Folkestone.