Sheffield pupils pay respects to fallen war heroes on Armistice Day
“Our pupils showed wonderful respect and maturity this year”
Sheffield pupils took a break from class today to pay their respects to those who fought for their country and paid with their lives.
Special Armistice Day services were held at schools across the Steel City
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard attended one at Yewlands Academy.
Pupils from Parson Cross, Hillsborough, Fox Hill and Grenoside stood alongside local servicemen, councillors, cadets and the Salvation Army at an outdoor service where a two-minute silence was held.
Kimberley Willmot, Principal of Yewlands Academy, said: “Remembrance matters to our entire community. We want our pupils to understand that the freedoms they enjoy were paid for by others.
“Standing together in silence, with veterans, cadets and the Mayor beside them, is a lesson on British values that no classroom can teach.
“We are so proud of all of our pupils for the way they prepared for the event through assemblies and PSHE lessons this week.”
Mayor Coppard, said: “I was delighted to be able to join the staff and pupils of Yewlands Academy to share in what was an incredibly poignant remembrance event.
“It was fantastic to see such a respectful school cohort and the performances from the school choir and soloists were beautiful. Congratulations to the staff and young people of Yewlands.”
Pupils and staff at Mercia Northridge School also paid their respects.
The school marked the occasion with special events in both Sheffield and London, helping pupils understand the importance of peace and history.
Pupils travelled to the Sheffield Cenotaph to proudly lay a wreath on behalf of everyone at Mercia Northridge School.
Back at the school, every pupil and member of staff gathered together for a shared moment of reflection.
Members of the school’s Pupil Parliament travelled to London to visit the memorial sites near Westminster and had the chance to meet with the Bishop of Sheffield, Right Reverend Dr Pete Wilcox to talk about leadership, service, and community.
They laid a wreath of behalf of the school at Westminster.
Headteacher Joanna Crewe said: “Our pupils showed wonderful respect and maturity this year.
“Whether they were standing quietly at the Cenotaph, speaking powerful poetry together as a whole school, or meeting national leaders in London, they truly embodied our core school values of kindness, perseverance, and responsibility.
“It is moments like these that shape our students into thoughtful, empathetic people who deeply appreciate the sacrifices that built our society.
“I’m always proud of Mercia Northridge pupils, but the members of the Pupil Parliament today were true representatives of our whole pupil body as they showed responsibility to the memory of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.”
Pupils at Parson Cross CofE Primary School also took part in a special service.
Pupils, staff, families and visitors came together today for the event at the school.
Throughout the week, children there have been learning about the significance of Remembrance Day and reflecting on the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces, both past and present.
To commemorate the occasion, pupils created poppy-themed artwork using a variety of craft materials.
The individual creations were displayed in the school hall, creating a striking and meaningful exhibition for parents and carers to enjoy.
Families were invited into school to view the display and celebrate the children's creativity and learning.
The exhibition provided an opportunity for children to share their understanding of remembrance and the importance of honouring those who have served their country.
The school also welcomed a serving member of the Parachute Regiment, who visited in full uniform.
During his visit, he toured the school, viewed the pupils' work and spent time talking with children about his role in the Armed Forces.
The day's commemorations concluded with the whole school gathering on the playground to observe the national two-minute silence.
The headteacher, Julie Wright, said: "The children have created fabulous poppies of their own ranging from wonderful ceramics to flower chains and have shown even after all this time they understand and respect how important remembrance day is”.