CHILDREN were taught the significance of one of the most devastating wars in history during a special week of activities at Sutton Community Primary School.

The poignant week of learning and commemoration focused on the centenary of the end of the First World War.

Youngsters had plenty of opportunity to reflect on and consider the momentous events of 100 years ago.

Head teacher Fiona Beetles said: “On November 8 we held a very special ‘Remembrance and Reconciliation’ event at school.

“Children were placed into family groups and completed different activities during the day.

“Each adult did a fantastic job of delivering workshops that were both valuable and enjoyable, while providing excellent learning opportunities for the pupils as we marked the centenary.

“The behaviour of our lovely pupils was excellent and the year six leaders in each group really impressed us with their organisation and sense of responsibility.”

The workshops helped inform pupils about life in the trenches.

The children also carried out research into the wartime experiences of soldiers from the Craven area, created their own war memorial, and took part in an army-style assault course.

Ms Beetles added: “Something that particularly stuck with the children was learning about the other colours of poppies that represent people and animals that fought in the war.

“People can still see some of the poppies we’ve made ourselves displayed on the ramp by the school’s main entrance.

“It was a wonderful day for all of us and we would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to everyone who was involved.”

On November 9, following a school assembly, children from years one to six joined Sutton Church School and Glusburn Primary in an act of remembrance at the war memorial in Sutton Park.

“As always, our children were a credit to us all,” Ms Beetles said.

“Several people have made the week really memorable. Teacher Simone Dean led the reconciliation and forgiveness event.

“It was due to her hard work and organisation that the day went so smoothly.

“Across the week our poppy sellers, Delilah, Evie and Karis from year six, did a great job every playtime.

“During the remembrance service teacher David Horton, along with pupils Oliver and Nancy, read some of the names of the fallen from Sutton War Memorial.

“Pupils Charlotte, Joshua and George, laid a wreath on behalf of children, staff and governors of our school. Kevin Allack played the Last Post and Reveille .

“Special thanks of course go to Sutton Baptist Church and the team from St Thomas’ Church for their organisation of the remembrance event.

“Over the coming weeks our children will be delving more into the story behind the Great War.

“We are excited to have found the school log book for the years 1914 to 1918, and will be using this as a primary source of research.

“The week has certainly captured the imagination and enthusiasm of staff and pupils alike and has been a source of pride for us.”