Women on the Western Front-Ypres & The Somme School Trips

Battlefield and History Tours

Choosing 'Women on the Western Front—Ypres & The Somme' with Battlefield and History Tours for your next school trip offers a unique and immersive educational experience that brings history to life. Here are compelling reasons to consider this tour:

Curriculum Alignment: The tour is designed to meet various educational standards, aligning with KS3, GCSE, and A-Level curricula across exam boards like Edexcel, OCR, and AQA. This ensures that the content directly supports your students' learning objectives on topics such as the First World War and the changing nature of warfare.

Focus on Women's Contributions: By highlighting pioneering women like Dr. Elsie Inglis, Elsie Knocker, Marie Chisholm, and Dorothy Lawrence, the tour sheds light on the often-overlooked roles women played during World War I. This perspective enriches students' understanding of history by incorporating themes of gender, bravery, and societal change.

Interactive Learning Experiences: The itinerary includes visits to significant historical sites such as the 'In Flanders' Fields Museum, Lochnagar Crater, and Vimy Ridge. These sites offer interactive exhibits, preserved trenches, and guided tours that make history tangible and engaging for students.

Cultural Enrichment: Beyond battlefield sites, the tour offers cultural experiences such as visiting the Ledoux Chocolaterie for a Belgian chocolate workshop or exploring the Ypres Christmas Market. These activities provide a well-rounded trip that combines education with cultural immersion.

Emphasis on Reflection and Remembrance: Visiting memorials like the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing and attending the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate instills a sense of respect and reflection in students, highlighting the human cost of war.

Supports Critical Thinking: Engaging with historical sites and stories encourages students to think critically about the past and its impact on the present. Discussions prompted by the tour can enhance analytical skills and foster a deeper appreciation for history.

By selecting this tour, you provide students with an enriching educational experience that extends beyond the classroom. It combines historical exploration with cultural activities, all within a framework that supports your curriculum and educational objectives.

school tours Women on the Western Front-Ypres & The Somme

Women on the Western Front-Ypres & The Somme school groups

Women on the Western Front-Ypres & The Somme photograph

Current School Trip Offer

Free travel insurance on all visits & Zero Deposits
Current School Trip Offer
Complimentary travel insurance is provided for all visits, and no deposits are required for bookings on any of our tours.

valid until: September 2025

Teacher Checklist

green tick Inspection Visits
Free Places for Teachers
Resource Packs
LOtC Quality Badge
Institute of Outdoor Learning
ABTA Licence
ATOL Licence
School Travel Forum Assured
British Activity Providers Association
Adventure Mark
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Adventure Activity Associates
Tailor your trip

Example Itineraries

Sample Itinerary
• Day 1: Coach pick up at school. Ferry or Eurotunnel crossing to Calais. Depart for Amiens – Talk ‘Women in Amiens.’ Depart for Albert (3 nights)
• Day 2: Morning visit to Royaumont Abbey, Scottish Women’s Hospital. Afternoon Dorothy Lawrence in Albert.

Depart for Calais OR

• Day 3: Depart for Belgium. Godewaersvelde Cemetery (Elise Kemp), Lijssenthoek Cemetery (Nellie Spindler) before visiting Poperinge. Visit ‘Passchendaele Museum’ Zonnebeke or ‘Hooge Crater’ Museum in Ypres. Last Post Ceremony. Return to Albert.
• Day 4: Etaples Cemetery and site of British hospitals (Vera Brittain), Le Touquet (Duchess of Westminster’s Hospital). Wimereux (hospital buildings, sites, and Cemetery. Return to school.
For more information about Battlefield tours in Ypres or any other destination, please email us.

Which Curriculum Subjects do we cater for?

Cultural Click to expand

Immerse your students in the rich cultural heritage of the Western Front with our dynamic battlefield tours. We delve beyond the battlefield to explore the social and cultural impacts of World War I, highlighting the pioneering women who shaped the era. Through interactive workshops, site visits, and engaging activities, we bring history to life.

We deliver the cultural curriculum by offering hands-on experiences such as guided tours of historical sites, visits to museums like the 'In Flanders' Fields Museum, and interactive sessions at places like the Ledoux Chocolaterie for a taste of Belgian traditions. Our workshops encourage students to engage with primary sources, reenact historical events, and participate in discussions that connect past cultural shifts to present-day society. These activities not only educate but also inspire students to appreciate the diverse cultural narratives that emerged from the war.

History Click to expand

Immerse your students in the rich tapestry of World War I history with our dynamic battlefield tours. We bring history to life by visiting significant sites on the Western Front, allowing students to walk in the footsteps of those who shaped our world. Through interactive activities, workshops, and expert-guided tours, we provide an unforgettable educational experience that aligns perfectly with the history curriculum.

Our tours are meticulously designed to cover key historical topics such as the changing nature of warfare, the socio-political impacts of the war, and the pivotal roles played by individuals and groups, including pioneering women like Dr. Elsie Inglis and Dorothy Lawrence. Students will explore original trenches at Hill 62, delve into personal stories at the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, and engage with interactive exhibits at the In Flanders Fields Museum.

We incorporate hands-on workshops where students analyze primary sources, artifacts, and letters from the front lines. They will participate in guided discussions that encourage critical thinking about the causes and consequences of the war, the evolution of military technology, and the human experiences of soldiers and civilians alike.

Our experienced guides tailor the content to meet specific curriculum requirements, whether it's for KS3, GCSE, or A-Level history. By connecting historical events to present-day themes, we help students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the subject. The immersive nature of our tours ensures that students don't just learn about history—they experience it firsthand.

Religious Education Click to expand

Deepen your students' understanding of faith, morality, and the human experience through our immersive battlefield tours. We explore the spiritual dimensions of World War I, visiting significant sites like memorials, cemeteries, and chapels to provide a profound learning experience aligned with the Religious Education curriculum.

On our specialized tours, we offer students a unique opportunity to explore the role of religion and spirituality during World War I. Activities include visiting sites such as St. George's Memorial Church in Ypres, built to commemorate over 500,000 British and Commonwealth troops who died in the battles for the Ypres Salient. Here, students can reflect on the impact of faith during times of conflict and how religion provided solace and unity among soldiers.

We also visit significant memorials like the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing and cemeteries such as Tyne Cot Cemetery and Langemark German Cemetery. These sites offer a space for contemplation on themes like sacrifice, the sanctity of life, and the diverse religious practices observed during the war. Students can engage in guided discussions about the ethical implications of war, the concept of just war in religious teachings, and the moral challenges faced by individuals and societies.

Our tours include workshops where students analyze primary sources such as letters, poems, and diary entries that express personal faith and spiritual struggles. For example, they might study wartime poetry that grapples with themes of doubt, hope, and faith, enhancing their understanding of how religion influenced personal and collective experiences during the war.

We also explore the role of chaplains and religious organizations in supporting soldiers, including visits to sites like Talbot House in Poperinge. Founded by Army chaplains, it served as an "Every Man's Club" offering spiritual support regardless of rank or denomination.

Our experienced guides facilitate connections between historical contexts and contemporary religious and ethical questions. By immersing students in the spiritual and moral dimensions of history, we help them develop critical thinking skills and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of Religious Education topics such as the role of religion in society, ethics, and interfaith understanding.

This hands-on approach ensures that students don't just learn about religious concepts—they experience their real-world applications and historical significance firsthand.

Architecture Click to expand

Explore the profound impact of war on architecture through our immersive battlefield tours. We guide students through historic sites like the Cloth Hall in Ypres and St. Martin’s Cathedral, both masterpieces rebuilt after World War I destruction. Our hands-on activities and expert-led workshops illuminate architectural restoration, Gothic design, and the resilience of cultural heritage.

Students will delve into the architectural styles of medieval Europe, understand the engineering behind trench systems like those at Bayernwald, and examine memorial structures such as the Thiepval Memorial and Menin Gate. By visiting these sites, learners gain insights into how architecture reflects historical events and societal values. Our tours are tailored to align with curriculum objectives, providing educational experiences that blend history and architecture in a real-world context.

Media Studies Click to expand

Uncover the pivotal role of media during World War I with our immersive battlefield tours tailored for Media Studies students. We delve into wartime communication, propaganda, and journalism—including stories of pioneering women correspondents like Dorothy Lawrence—to provide a unique, hands-on learning experience.

Through our specialized tours, we offer students a comprehensive exploration of media's impact during the Great War. Activities include analyzing wartime propaganda posters, examining the evolution of communication technologies, and understanding the role of censorship. We visit significant sites such as Albert, where Dorothy Lawrence was arrested for her undercover reporting, to illustrate the challenges and risks faced by journalists.

Workshops are designed to engage students in critical thinking about the use of media in shaping public opinion and morale. They will study primary sources like newspapers, photographs, and letters to assess how information was disseminated and controlled. Discussions on the ethical considerations of wartime reporting and the emergence of photojournalism provide contemporary connections to today's media landscape.

By immersing students in real historical contexts, we help them understand the power of media in society. Our experienced guides facilitate interactive sessions that align with the Media Studies curriculum, enhancing students' analytical skills and fostering a deeper appreciation for the subject. This hands-on approach ensures that students don't just learn about media—they experience its historical significance firsthand.

Performing Arts Click to expand

Bring the stories of the Western Front to life for your Performing Arts students with our immersive battlefield tours. We offer unique opportunities for students to engage with history through dramatizations, reenactments, and interactive workshops, inspiring creativity and deepening their understanding of the Performing Arts.

On our specialized tours, we bridge history and the performing arts by incorporating activities that allow students to express and interpret the experiences of those who lived through World War I. Students can participate in reenactments at historical sites, engage in drama workshops where they recreate scenes from the front lines, and explore the role of performance in wartime morale.

We visit significant locations like Talbot House in Poperinge, which served as a rest house where soldiers could relax and sometimes perform music and plays. Here, students learn about the importance of entertainment and performance for soldiers during the war.

Our tours also include visits to museums with interactive exhibits that use multimedia and soundscapes to tell stories, providing inspiration for students in stagecraft and production design.

Workshops are tailored to encourage students to create their own performances based on historical events, letters, and personal accounts. By engaging with primary sources, they can develop monologues, dialogues, and short plays, enhancing their skills in scriptwriting, acting, and directing.

Our experienced guides and facilitators ensure that activities align with the Performing Arts curriculum, fostering students' creativity while deepening their understanding of the historical context. This hands-on approach allows students to not only learn about the past but to express it through their artistic talents, making history resonate in a personal and meaningful way.

Archaeology Click to expand

Discover Archaeology firsthand with our immersive Battlefield Tours, where students explore preserved trenches, tunnels, and historical sites of World War I. Through interactive workshops and guided activities, we bring history to life, allowing students to uncover the past by engaging directly with archaeological remains and learning excavation techniques.

Our tours offer a unique opportunity for schools to delve into Archaeology by visiting sites like the Wellington Quarry in Arras, where underground tunnels reveal the strategies of wartime miners and soldiers. At the Bayernwald Trenches, students can walk through reconstructed German trenches based on meticulous archaeological research. We also visit the Lochnagar Crater and Vimy Ridge, where the landscape itself tells the story of wartime engineering and its lasting impact.

Through hands-on activities, students learn about:

Excavation Methods: Understanding how archaeologists uncover historical artefacts and what these findings tell us about past events.
Preservation Techniques: Learning the importance of preserving historical sites and the methods used to maintain them for future generations.
Artefact Analysis: Handling and analyzing replicas of artefacts to piece together historical narratives.
Interactive Workshops: Participating in mock digs and other practical exercises that simulate archaeological work.
Our experienced guides tailor each tour to align with educational curricula, ensuring that the archaeological aspects enhance classroom learning with real-world experiences.

World War Click to expand

Immerse your students in the pivotal events of World War I with our comprehensive battlefield tours. We bring history to life by taking students to key sites on the Western Front, allowing them to experience firsthand the places where history was made. Through interactive activities, expert-guided tours, and immersive workshops, we provide an unparalleled educational experience that aligns perfectly with World War curriculum topics.

Our specialized tours are meticulously designed to cover the major aspects of World War I, ensuring that students gain a deep and nuanced understanding of the conflict. We visit significant battlefields like Ypres and The Somme, where students can walk through reconstructed trenches at Hill 62 and witness the scale of warfare at the Lochnagar Crater. These sites provide tangible connections to the events studied in the classroom, making history palpable and engaging.

Interactive Learning Experiences:

Guided Tours: Our expert guides provide in-depth narratives at each site, discussing strategies, key battles, and the experiences of soldiers on both sides of the conflict.

Workshops: We offer hands-on workshops where students analyze primary sources such as letters, diaries, and military orders, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills.

Museum Visits: Visits to museums like the In Flanders Fields Museum and the Historial de la Grande Guerre offer interactive exhibits that utilize multimedia presentations to deepen understanding.

Curriculum Alignment:

Our tours align with key curriculum specifications, including:

KS3 Curriculum: Covering the 'Changing Nature of Conflict and Cooperation Between Countries and Peoples' and 'First World War and the Peace Settlement'.

GCSE and A-Level History: Supporting modules on 'The Changing Nature of Warfare', 'Britain's Experience of Warfare', and 'War and British Society 1790-2010'.

Key Topics Covered:

Military Strategies and Technologies: Exploration of trench warfare, the use of artillery, and the introduction of tanks and chemical weapons.

Social and Political Impacts: Discussions on the home front, including the role of women, propaganda, and the economic effects of the war.

Personal Stories: Highlighting individual experiences, such as those of soldiers, nurses like Nellie Spindler, and war correspondents like Dorothy Lawrence, to provide personal perspectives on the war.

Additional Educational Activities:

Memorial Visits: Paying respects at significant memorials like the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing and Tyne Cot Cemetery, encouraging reflection on the cost of war.

Cultural Exploration: Understanding the war's impact on art, literature, and music by examining wartime poetry and artwork.

Support for Educators:

We provide comprehensive support to teachers, including:

Exclusive Teacher's Information Booklet and Pupil Worksheets: Tailored educational materials to enhance learning before, during, and after the tour.

Personal Battlefield Tours Executive: Assistance with tour planning to ensure that the itinerary meets specific educational objectives.

By immersing students in the historical landscape of World War I, we help them develop a profound understanding of the conflict's complexity and its enduring impact on the modern world. Our tours not only educate but also inspire students to critically engage with history, making their learning experience both meaningful and memorable.

Activities

What size groups do we cater for?

Our programs are designed to accommodate groups starting from a minimum of 10 participants, without a set maximum limit on group size. This ensures flexibility and inclusivity for various group sizes, catering to the specific needs of each party. Specifically for primary and middle schools, we offer a complimentary spot for a teacher for every 10 student participants. This policy is part of our commitment to supporting educational institutions by making our programs accessible and beneficial for both students and educators alike. Our goal is to foster a conducive learning environment where teachers can accompany their students, ensuring educational objectives are met while providing support and supervision.

Access for visitors with disabilities?

At Battlefield & History Tours, our dedication to fostering an inclusive environment for all participants on our group excursions is steadfast. We believe in the importance of tailoring our tours to meet the diverse needs of our guests. As such, we strongly advocate for transparent communication from the very beginning of your inquiry. This enables us to understand any specific requirements you may have, ensuring a more accommodating and enriching experience.

Visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?

Battlefield & History Tours takes great pride in its established history of orchestrating successful and enriching tours for numerous groups with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Our approach is deeply rooted in the principle of individualized attention, ensuring that the unique requirements of each participant are carefully considered and addressed. We are dedicated to creating experiences that are not only educational but also accessible, allowing every individual to engage fully and benefit from our tours. This commitment to inclusivity and personalized care is at the heart of our operations, as we strive to provide meaningful and memorable experiences for all our guests.

Anything else?

Every itinerary we design is the result of meticulous planning and customization, tailored specifically to align with your unique preferences and requirements. Our commitment to excellence ensures that each detail is thoughtfully considered, providing you with an experience that is not only seamless but also deeply resonant with your expectations. We take great care in ensuring that every aspect of your journey is curated to offer an enriching and personalized experience, reflecting our dedication to meeting and exceeding your needs.

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Who are Battlefield and History Tours?

We are Battlefield and History Tours, a dedicated team passionate about bringing history to life for students through immersive educational experiences. Specializing in school trips and educational visits, we offer carefully crafted tours like 'Women on the Western Front-Ypres & The Somme' that align with curriculum standards. Our mission is to educate and inspire by connecting students directly with significant historical sites and stories, providing insights that extend beyond the classroom. With experienced guides and comprehensive itineraries, we aim to make history tangible, engaging, and relevant for today's learners.