Launceston College Students Honour Armed Forces with Remembrance Day Tribute

Launceston College, part of Athena Learning Trust, joined the nation in commemorating Remembrance Day today (11th November) as students, staff, and teachers came together to honour the service and sacrifice of the armed forces. The college held a poignant ceremony, featuring a two-minute silence observed at 11:00 am, during which the entire school community gathered to remember those who gave their lives in service to the country.

Cadet Students Lead with Solemn Tribute

Some students attended the day in their cadet uniforms, taking a prominent role in the proceedings as the two-minute silence began. Principal Matthew Thompson led the ceremony, reading the moving exhortation: “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”

One student then marked the beginning of the silence by sounding The Last Post, filling the gathering with a sense of solemn reflection. To conclude, Matthew read the Kohima Epitaph: “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.”

Reflecting on the Importance of Peace and Unity

The significance of Remembrance Day was also highlighted in classroom activities, where students engaged in discussions about the values of peace, unity, and understanding. These sessions encouraged them to reflect on the importance of remembrance and the profound legacy of those who have served.

Matthew, Principal at Launceston College, noted: “Remembrance Day is an opportunity to honour the bravery and sacrifice of those who serve in our armed forces and those who lost their lives during war. It’s essential that schools help young people to understand that the freedoms they appreciate today are thanks to them. By teaching our students the values of courage, selflessness, and peace, we hope to instil a deep sense of responsibility in them for the future.”

About Launceston College

Launceston College, part of Athena Learning Trust, has earned a “Good” rating from Ofsted for the quality of education, behaviour, personal development, leadership, management, and sixth form provision. The college offers a broad, ambitious curriculum designed to meet the needs of all students, including those with SEND. In the sixth form, students engage in challenging coursework that aligns with their future aspirations, building on a solid foundation of knowledge.