Springwood Remembrance Day

Heroes past and present were honoured at a Lynn secondary as part of the school’s annual observance of Remembrance Day.

The students from Springwood High School participated in a traditional Remembrance Service, and also spent the week engaged in various activities based on the importance of remembering and appreciating the sacrifices of others’.

The service took place around the flagpole at the school, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust. It was attended by Year 7 students and tutors, and those belonging to Cadet forces, alongside school governors, David Norman from  the British Legion, and Gary Walker from the RAF Association.

“The Springwood Remembrance Service took place on the Friday before Remembrance Sunday,” explained Pauline Petch, who is Duke of Edinburgh Manager for the Trust and a King’s Lynn Air Cadets Officer, as well as a teacher at Springwood.

“Reverend Sorenson from St Faith’s did a short service, there was the Last Post and prayers, and the Head then laid a wreath.”

“The students were wearing their poppies and watching the service,” said Erin Smith, who is the history teacher responsible for the Remembrance teaching at Springwood. “It was a chance for them to pay their respects and to reflect on what they have learnt about the importance of remembering the sacrifices people have made for our country past and present.”

“Each tutor group across the school received an assembly on Remembrance Day,” she continued. “In this assembly, students learnt about the symbols of remembrance, and particularly how the marigold flower is used to remember the empire soldiers who fought alongside the British. 

“Students also learnt about how other members of the communities across the British Empire made sacrifices in their lives to contribute to the war effort – for example, when women risked their lives working in the munitions factories to create explosives used on the front line.”

It wasn’t just wartime bravery that was remembered during the week – other acts of heroism were lauded too.

“Students also learnt about how Remembrance Day is commemorated at the time of the Armistice during the First World War, but actually has a much wider significance,” added Miss Smith. “It is used as a time to remember all of those who have put their lives on the line and made sacrifices for Britain past and present.

“One example we explored was the bravery shown by the first responders to the Manchester Arena bombing, and how the trauma they experienced may have impacted their lives.

“Therefore, Remembrance Day is an opportunity to pay our respects for those members of society who put their lives on the line in ways other than joining the military.”