Jeremy Paxman discusses WW1 with Bedales students

Bedales students were delighted to enjoy a discussion with journalist, broadcaster and author Jeremy Paxman, on his latest BBC documentary about WW1, Britain’s Great War.  Jeremy was invited to attend a special gathering of the School’s History Society entitled The Green Ribbon Club in advance of a special battlefields tour for Block 3 students (Year 9) to The Somme (France) and Ypres (Belgium). The students gained an insight into Jeremy’s book and documentary series and took the opportunity to quiz him on his extensive research and understanding of the Great War.

An important part of the student’s tour includes a last post ceremony at The Menin Gate when students will lay a wreath to mark the 65 past pupils at the school who died. The tour also involves tracing relatives of students and visiting the graves of Old Bedalians involved in the war. These events all form part of the school’s broader recognition of the centenary of WW1 culminating in a special service using text from an original sermon written by the school’s founder John Badley.

Headmaster of Bedales Schools, Keith Budge said, “The students were thoroughly engaged in Jeremy’s talk as he described fascinating individual stories from the War and its impact on the country and society. Our History students in particular appreciated the opportunity to meet with Jeremy and understand his inspiration for researching such an important part of the country’s history.”