Uplands Academy Students Honour Remembrance Day

Students from Uplands Academy joined members of the local community in honouring those who have served and sacrificed their lives in conflict as part of the Wadhurst Remembrance Parade on Sunday 8 November.

Representing the school, students Sophie (Year 9) and Alec (Year 10), accompanied by Headteacher Ms. Zoe James, had the privilege of laying a wreath on behalf of the Uplands Academy community during the service. They joined local organisations, cadets, veterans and Nus Ghani MP for Sussex Weald in paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to all who continue to serve in defence of the nation's freedoms.

Remembrance was also marked within the school through assemblies and the two-minute silence, providing students with an opportunity to reflect on the significance of the day.

Year 9 students further explored the theme of remembrance in their Art lessons, learning about individuals connected to the World Wars, including war photographers who documented life on the front line and the pioneering prosthetics work carried out by the Tin Noses Shop.

Many students were inspired to investigate their own family connections to the conflicts. Sadie in Year 9 shared a heartwarming article about her Granded, a D-Day hero who was part of the Royal Artillery 103 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Mobile Regiment and who was awarded the Légion d’honneur, the highest honour for those who helped liberate France. Thomas in Year 8 brought in a WW2 bullet found in his Grandad's garden using a metal detector. Rufus in Year 9 went to Duxford Air Show and took some great photos of war planes and The Red Arrows.

Drawing on their research, students produced a range of thoughtful and creative artworks using photomontage techniques and embroidered typography. The finished pieces reflected themes of remembrance, sacrifice and resilience, with a selection displayed around the school for students and staff to view.

Headteacher Ms Zoe James said: "Remembrance Day provides an important opportunity for our students to reflect on the sacrifices made by previous generations and to recognise those who continue to serve today. We were incredibly proud of Alec and Sophie for representing the school at the Wadhurst parade, and of our Year 9 students for the thoughtfulness, creativity and respect they demonstrated through their artwork."

The school's involvement in the parade and accompanying curriculum activities formed part of Uplands Academy's commitment to helping students develop an understanding of both local and national history.