By Mrs Inkson (Head of Year 6)

This term in English, Year 6 has been delving into the powerful world of World War I poetry, examining poems written by soldiers who experienced the front lines. The girls started by comparing and contrasting some of the most famous poems of the era in including In Flanders Fields by John McCrae, The Soldier by Rupert Brooke and Dulce Et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen, analysing the language, themes and perspectives that shaped each poet's portrayal of war. 

To deepen their understanding, Year 6 also learned about life in the trenches and conditions that influenced the poetry of the time. Using virtual reality technology, they were able to step into a simulated trench environment, giving them a close look at the daily life and challenges faced by soldiers. This immersive experience allowed everyone to explore artefacts like soldiers' helmets, ration kits and personal items, adding depth to our study and helping us to connect more personally with the poetry we read. 

Next, the girls will be using this knowledge and experience to write their own World War I inspired poetry, drawing on our new insights into the realities and emotions of the soldiers and the experiences they went through.