On June 10, as part of the Heroes and Villains theme in English, two Year 9 classes were given the opportunity to take part in a sensory day to complement their learning on the ‘Heroes of War’ and to give them inspiration for their creative writing.

As part of the experience students were shown a room set up with visual displays including a World War I trench recreation and ‘smells of war’ provided by the Science Faculty. Bedean parent Paul Climo, who is involved with World War I recreations, kindly gave the students a talk about World War I and brought in two replica Enfield Rifles and military uniforms for the students to experience. Year 10 student Marc Climo also shared his knowledge about soldiers' uniforms and kit during this period.

Students were also given the opportunity to dig trenches and sample some of the food that soldiers would have received in World War I rations packs. Many thanks to Paul Francis for sharing his experiences and putting the students to work too!

The experience was led by Jacqueline MacKean and the English Faculty and thoroughly enjoyed by all.