Students and staff across Cockburn School, Cockburn John Charles Academy and Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy showed their respect on Remembrance Day (11 November 2024). Young people and school staff came together across the Cockburn Multi-academy Trust schools to commemorate Remembrance Day with heartfelt ceremonies to honour those who have served and protected our nation. The school communities came together in poignant displays of respect and gratitude.
Some students at the secondary schools that are involved in military training outside of school attended school in full uniform, showcasing their commitment to service.
At Cockburn School, everyone stood and observed a two-minute silence at 11am on Armistice Day before The Last Post was played across the speaker systems. Wreathes were laid at the school’s war memorial by cadets, Student Ambassadors, Head Girl and Head Boy and members of the Senior Leadership Team.
Rev Olasupo Ogunyinka, interim priest at St Cross and St Mary’s Church, Middleton spoke of remembrance before poems were read by her and the Head Girl and Head Boy. The ceremony was filmed and broadcast live across all classrooms. The Cockburn School Art Department taught hundreds of students in Key Stage 3 how to make poppies with paper cutting techniques and created a beautiful display across their windows.
Students and staff at Cockburn John Charles Academy also paid their respects on Remembrance Day with a two-minute silence. The History department and Student Ambassadors led Remembrance assemblies across the week and the art department created an installation of student work based on Remembrance.
At Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy, the whole school went outside and lined up before observing a two-minute silence. Students were reminded about the history of Sergeant Laurence Calvert and those that had fought in wars past and present. As The Last Post played the sun shone across their outdoor courtyard.
Executive Headteacher of the Cockburn MAT, David Gurney, expressed the significance of the occasion, stating:
“Remembrance Day will always hold a special place in our hearts. It is important to reflect on the courage and sacrifices of those who have served their country. The participation of our students, especially those in uniform, is a testament to the respect and gratitude we feel for our servicemen and women.”
This post is based on a press release issued by Cockburn Multi-academy Trust
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