Academy Trench Project

[valiant]

Hi Guys,

I thought that you might like to hear about a project that I have run at my school over that last few weeks, as it is relevant to the Great War Centenary commemorations taking place at the moment.

With fantastic support from the RAF at Cosford, via a friend of mine, we have dug a replica section of trench on the edge of our playing fields to help the kids to try to understand what is was like for the troops during the war. A dedication was held on Armistice Day, with representatives from the Royal British Legion, a bugler from the Royal British Legion and a detachment from RAF Cosford, along with staff and students from Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthews Academy, Stoke on Trent.

Two academy staff, including myself and a member of the RAF spent last Friday night, until 7AM Saturday, in the trench in order to raise money for the Poppy Appeal.

I have attached the article from our local press for you to read.

Thanks for looking in,

Steve

 

[Rich Sculpts]

Brilliant project it will give the kids a real perspective of life in the trenches.

How much did they make you jump through the hoops with risk assessment?

I work in a school, you have my sympathy

-Rich

 

[valiant]

Well, it was a fait accompli, really! I tried to go through "official" channels and was told that it would cost over £2000 to do - a phonecall to my contact in the RAF and I had 13 apprentices, 13 shovels and 200 sandbags arrive virtually next day! The risk assessment was done once the trench was in place!

Steve

 

[Helm]

Nice one Steve

 

[valiant]

Cheers Steve - I thought it was a worthwhile diversion! Theres a video blog link on the OSSMA website if youre interested!

 

[swralph]

Good on you Steve.
Ralph.

 

[valiant]

Thanks for the comments, guys - FYI, we have raised over £400, so far, for the RBL Poppy Appeal, with money still coming in!

 

[Rich Sculpts]

Time well spent and much needed money generated for a worthy cause.