To complement Remembrance Day 2023 at NRHS we arranged for a visitor to come into school and speak to our pupils about ‘serving for your country’. It is important for our pupils to learn the importance of why people participate in Remembrance Day Services and show respect by observing a minute’s silence, on Armistice Day. Commemorating such days is an important part of understanding British Values.
Ross Gilbert, our Guest Speaker, was a soldier in the Blues and Royals, experiencing active duty when he served in Afghanistan in 2014. The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragons) (RHG/D) is a Cavalry Regiment of the British Army, part of the Household Cavalry. The Colonel of the Regiment is Anne, Princess Royal and is the second-most senior regiment in the British Army.
Mr Gilbert spoke about why, when and how he joined the Army, the training that he took part in, why he partakes in Remembrance Day Services and its meaning, as well share sharing his experiences of serving in Afghanistan.
The pupils were absolutely wonderful, well behaved, engaged and extremely respectful. Many of our pupils and staff had lots of interesting questions and Mr Gilbert was happy to answer them all. Everyone learnt a lot!
During Lesson 3, a bell (Big Ben chime) played 11.00am to begin our Armistice Day moment of reflection and silence and the Last Post began at 11:01am until the end of the silence. All of our staff and pupils took part in this very important tradition which annually marks the end of World War I, stopping what they were doing, standing still and being silent.