WINCHESTER school children had a firsthand lesson on the history of World War I when they went to visit battlefield in northern France.

Perins students travelled to see a range of historic areas right across the Belgian coast all the way across to northern France. Their trip marked the centenary of the outbreak.

The children visited cemeteries at Tyne Cot and Langemark – many of whom commented on the number of mass graves for unknown soldiers.

Children also visited the Menin Gate in Ypres where students Jane Blackburn, and Ben Anderson, both 14, were selected to represent the school to lay a wreath in memory of the missing soldiers. Their final day, during half term, saw them take a long tour of the Somme.

The history department has further plans to mark the centenary of WW1. Among other events, students will be attending a service at Winchester cathedral, visiting the Alresford War Memorial, fundraising for the Royal British Legion and making a permanent memorial at the school.