Court Fields School in Wellington fell silent at 11 am last Wednesday (November 11) as students and staff took part in a poignant tribute to those who have served their country, as part of Remembrance Day 2020.

Acting headteacher Polly Matthews said: “Remembrance is a significant part of our school year at Court Fields School. Having served in the Armed Forces myself, I know well the sacrifices made by service personnel and their families.

“This year at Court Fields we centred our Remembrance commemorations around one of our former students, who died on active service in Iraq in 2007 – Pte Eleanor Dlugosz, whose sacrifice is marked by a memorial plaque and tree gifted to the school by her family.

“I am very grateful to Sally Veck, Eleanor’s mum, who spoke to me on the phone and helped me understand more about Eleanor’s life and character, so that we could put together a tribute that would do her justice.”

The school is also providing Eleanor’s mother with one of the clay Remembrance poppies students made and glazed last year, in a presentation box, as a lasting thank you from Court Fields School.

Students were given a virtual assembly by Mrs Matthews about Eleanor’s service, through pictures and words from her family and friends. This was shown to all students in their tutor period on November 11.

Pastoral lead Sarah Westwood said: “Many of our students commented on how poignant it was to be remembering someone so close to home. It helped some of our students to understand the wider remit of Remembrance Day, and the impacts on the lives of young people and their families.”

Later on November 11 silence fell across the school as the community respectfully observed the traditional act of remembrance with a minute’s silence. A simple wreath-laying ceremony took place at the front of school. As social distancing protocols were observed, Josh D laid a wreath on behalf of students and the newest member of staff, Sophie Grabham, laid a wreath on behalf of staff. Representatives of each Year Group, led by Ava T in Year 11, marked the minute’s silence and the playing of the Last Post in silent commemoration.

Mrs Matthews also highlighted the school’s links with the local community and said: “We were honoured that representatives of the Royal British Legion were also able to join us for a socially distanced minute’s silence after their duties at Wellington War Memorial. As ever, we are very grateful for the support of the Legion, and to be able to commemorate Remembrance Day with them.”