Harrodians of all ages participated in Remembrance events in the run up to November 11th and many poppies were sold - and made - on behalf of the Royal British Legion's appeal.
In the Pre-Prep, children created many different versions of the poppy - collage wreaths, paintings made from red hand prints or pictures made from a mix of media such as photographs and colouring in, see below for an example of Reception's contributions:
As usual, each school age group had its own Remembrance assembly. On Monday morning Ms Burnett’s PP1 class hosted the Pre-Prep assembly, above. The children spoke about the First World War and shared the history behind many of the traditions including the significance of the poppy and the date of 11th November. They also recited a poem called 'Red Poppies,' and sang the song 'We Remember Them,'
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Head of History, Andy Nowell (above) was the speaker for the Prep service. He talked about the history behind the Unknown Warrior, buried amongst Kings and Queens in Westminster Abbey. He explained the phrase ‘unknown and yet well known’ and suggested that pupils could use Remembrance to think about ordinary soldiers in all wars.
Commemorations reached their climax on Friday. Captain Stewart led the senior assembly talking of the fragility of freedom and the sacrifices made by those who have defended it and still are in conflicts around the world, with a poignant reference to Gaza and Ukraine.
Ms Baum and the auditioned choir consisting of pupils from the 11s to 13s then performed R. Emerson’s ‘Shoshone Love Song’ and a selection of Senior pupils, including our Head Boy and Head Girl, provided contributions in the shape of poems and readings of remembrance.
A guest speaker, Mr Jeff Short (above) talked about the employment support offered to veterans and their families at the Poppy Factory where he is a director. Working for the factory that produces the poppies we buy and wear, he explained the flower’s symbolism with great clarity but also questioned the audience to think about its relevance in modern society. He finished by adding that for him the poppy is a way to remember not glorify.
Harrodian's specialist brass teacher, Ms Haberli, then played the Last Post and Reveille on the trumpet and a minute’s silence was upheld. Then a group of pupils representing each year (13s, 14s, 15s, L6 and U6) built a field altar from drums and flags, laying a sword and military hat on top and lighting a candle.
Finally Harrodians observed a minute's silence on the playing fields during mid-morning break at 11.00am. The whole school stood in silence and stillness until a whistle brought the commemorations to an end.