Summer 2016

Feeling the real objects, it helped me to think I was in the WW1. Orange Class – Kingsmead Primary School

Putting on the clothes helped us realise how difficult it was to fight in WW1. Cedar Class – Mandeville Primary School

We enjoyed working with others who we’d just met. Mizgin – Mandeville Primary School (about the composition session)

We sang and shared our ideas. It was truly interactive. Khyla – Mandeville Primary School (about the composition session)

Powerful, energetic, absorbing. I felt I was in the Army. Student – Kingsmead Primary School (about the Costumed Interpreter visit)

When we were making the puppets, we learnt to not give up and carry on if we did make a mistake. Leanne – Mandeville Primary School

We enjoyed the singing, Khatwib dying, performing in front of our parents and friends, meeting new people, bonding with other schools. Orange Class – Kingsmead Primary School

When it finally finished, it filled me with pride because we had worked hard throughout the Trench Brothers experience. Hamza – Mandeville Primary School

Singing the song that we made by ourselves was phenomenal. Memet – Mandeville Primary School

There were soldiers dressed up in full WW1 gear. That was exciting! Kojo – Mandeville Primary School

We loved making new friends by being mixed up with other schools in the area in the performance. Yagmur – Mandeville Primary School  

One student produced a much higher level of work in English due to their descriptive language which came from the activity. Teacher – Mandeville Primary School (about the Artefacts Handling Session)

It was great to see children work together and have an impact upon a significant element of the performance which raised their aspirations and interest in the project. They were extremely excited and overwhelmed to receive their song as a professional backing track. Teacher – Kingsmead Primary School (about the Composition Session)

The immersive experience and range of creative activities excited the children which was evident in their works, both written and in their performance.
Teacher – Kingsmead Primary School

The resources have been amazing. The children loved all of the sessions, which provided a broad range of learning techniques, and immersed them in the experience. Teacher – Kingsmead Primary School

For me, this has reinforced the need to immerse children in their learning experience and use creative elements to build and develop their skills. Teacher – Kingsmead Primary School

I was shocked at how heavy the guns were. Madison

I learned you had to be very brave and strong to go out to war and you had to risk your life for your country. Tee-Jay

The actor was great at personalising a soldier. Letters from soldiers made a huge impact on us. They made us really feel what taking part in war felt like, looked like, sounded like. Class 5TO (about the Costumed Interpreter session)

Some of us have never had such an experience and were surprised that we were able to create something like that. Year 5 Students (about the Composition session)

We enjoyed hearing the product of our work at the end. It was an accomplishment. Year 5 Students (about the Composition session)

We’ve learnt not to be wasteful. Some people learnt to concentrate and stay focused for a long period of time. Class 5TO (about the puppets)

The crew, teachers, singers and everyone else was really friendly and kind. Rebecca

We enjoyed seeing all the work and different parts come together in the end. Year 5 student (about the performance)

Artefacts were very good. Hands on experience! Year 5 Teacher

It was good to deal with well qualified people. School cannot replicate such experiences. Year 5 Teacher

The Trench Brothers project was a great opportunity for all children in the class: we had an opportunity to work with professionals and all (even very knowledgeable ones)have learnt something about WW1 in a very creative way. We really enjoyed the project.  Year 5 Teacher

I learnt so much I couldn’t possibly list it here! Lana (about the artefacts session)

I learned it was a hard time then, and we could of lost the war if it wasn’t for the Allies. Serhan (about the artefacts session)

I learned how heavy each piece of kit was. I was shocked to feel how heavy they were!!! How could they run in all that kit? Ivor (about the artefacts session)

We made the lyrics and the tune ourselfs and it was amazing how the composer could play the music on the piano straight after hearing us. Ajay (about the Composition session)

Everyone got a chance to say what they wanted. Orla (about the Composition session)

I learned that anyone could sing without getting teased, and in the end it would make a masterpiece. Tiana (about the Composition session)

I loved making my puppet come to life! I especially liked making different faces and adding the extra features (buttons, pockets) on the uniform. Overall, it was really fun and memorable and I loved making the puppets: it was a great day. Thank-you Trench Brothers! Lana

It was hands on and creative. We haven’t done a lot of art in year 6 so it was a nice change. Orla

I learned that a performance lasts 2 hours, but beind the scenes it probably takes months. Isaac

I learned that people should be a little bit more careful of their desicions.  Uzair

This session gave them a huge amount – their writing was amazing with brilliant contextual learning. A girl who had never seen anything like it before called it ‘life-changing’! Year 6 Teacher (about the Artefacts Handling session)

The best thing was seeing children with genuine artictic talent who thought art wasn’t for them. Year 6 Teacher (about the Puppet making session)

A little boy, low on attainment – involved in writing the melody. Never saw this in him – lovely moment. The confidence of certain pupils shining on the day was wonderful. Year 6 Teacher (about the composition session)

Immersive contextual learning. Pupils loved it, very involving for every pupil. Year 6 Teacher

In my opinion the best part was the weapons because it was fascinating to touch and it was nice that we were allowed to touch the objects. I like that Charlotte was very kind and watched out for us. She made sure that we were safe and careful. Samiyah (about the artefacts handling)

I learned that it was hard for the soldiers and they had limited resourses. Amber

I learned that war wasn’t a adventure or game and lots of people lost their lives it wasn’t fun and people fought for land. I hope that people learn to share land so that there wouldn’t be a 3rd world war. Azra

What I learnt about the activity is how to put rhythm into music. Onyema
(about the Composition session)

The best thing about this activity is everything because I enjoyed everything about it. Hornela (about making the Trench Brother Puppets)

I enjoyed how at the end we could see what we have made and how all the steps fit together. Amber (about making the Trench Brother Puppets)

I learned that you shoudn’t rush puppet making and it is good to try new things you haven’t done before. Zahra (about making the Trench Brother Puppets)

Trench brothers was the best show that we have ever had. James

We learnt to put effort into our performance. Mobolaji

I enjoyed when we all sung the song ‘we’re striving together’ because it a beautiful song. War is not how you settle a problem between two countries. Joe

The best thing about the day was performing because it looked like the audience was enjoying what we were doing and I felt very proud because my parents were watching. I really enjoyed Trench Brothers because I learnt a lot about WW1 and I really hope we do something like this again.  Linh

The best part was the performance and although I have stage fright it was very enjoyable and exciting and Winston was very brave and it actually tells a story and if I could I’d recommend it to any other school.  I learnt to face my fears. Grace

The writing we got out of the children was phenomenal. Each child, at their own level, was able to excel and produce work of a very high standard. They were keen to know more and many did their own research at home. They brought every experience from this whole project into their writing and were able to write some amazing poems, diary entries and letters. Year 5 Teacher

Children have developed confidence and are a lot more aware of WW1 and its wider global context. This was a real insight into what we can achieve through topic based learning which engages and excites every child.Year 5 Teacher