News Remembrance Day Assembly: Honouring Those Who Fell During the First World War 11.11.2026

This year’s Remembrance Day Assembly, organised and led by History teacher Dr Woodberry, focused on the First World War and its profound impact on the world.

Our student organists provided a solemn and poignant musical accompaniment as the school community entered the Bishop Centre in silence. Yvie played Bach’s Prelude in G minor, followed by Lucine performing Bach’s O Lamm Gottes Unschuldig and Emily playing Boëllmann’s Prière à Notre-Dame.

Dr Woodberry provided valuable historical context, exploring the origins of the conflict, the grim realities of trench warfare and the reasons why so many young men fought and died for their country. Particularly moving was the reminder that many of those who lost their lives were no older than our own Sixth Form students today.

The assembly also reflected on the war’s enduring legacy, considering not only the immense grief and the importance of remembrance, but also its wider influence on society, science, literature and the arts.

The poignancy of the occasion was further captured through readings of war poetry by Sixth Form students Khadijah, Vittorial and Phaedra, whose thoughtful and moving deliveries brought the emotions and gravity of the conflict to life.

A live trumpet performance of the Last Post provided a particularly powerful moment, followed by a minute’s silence in remembrance of all those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The Senior Choir then delivered a deeply moving rendition of They Shall Grow Not Old.

The assembly was a fitting and heartfelt tribute to all those who served, suffered and gave their lives. It concluded with Giselle playing Elgar’s Nimrod on the organ, bringing a moving and reflective close to a memorable act of remembrance.