Poppies and poetry in school Remembrance Day tribute

A wall of poppies appeared in the centre of Morpeth when children from St Robert’s Catholic First School created a striking Remembrance Day display.

Pupils of all ages at the school worked together on the moving tribute, with each crafting a hand-made poppy to add to the commemorative artwork.

Children in Year 4 also copied out a series of war poems to give additional poignancy to the display, which has become an annual event in the school calendar.

“We always produce a display at the front of the school to support the local community in commemorating Remembrance Day,” explained David Sutcliffe, Headteacher at St Robert’s, which is part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust.

“The children are very proud of the poppies that they make, and the older children have the opportunity to hear some of the war poems and reproduce these in their most beautiful handwriting,” he continued.

“The children learn about the significance of the poppy during assemblies, and with their class teachers. We think it is important to share our gratitude and respect for the fallen with our local community, and we do this by creating a Remembrance Display on our school fence.”

The project was overseen by St Robert’s Year 1 Teacher and Art Lead, Alice Butler, who collated the children’s work and put together the display.

“It is lovely to watch people stop in the street and spend time reading the poems and looking at our display,” she said.

The poppies and poems will remain on show outside the school in the town centre for two weeks.

“The display is recognised by the school and parish, along with the wider community, as a beautiful way for the children in school to learn about the significance of sacrifice and importance of peace,” added Mr Sutcliffe.

“We hope our display serves as a tribute to those who have fallen, and acts as a reminder of our shared hope for peace among all people."