Over the past few weeks, Year 7 students have embarked on a thought-provoking journey into the world of war poetry. In class, they have been exploring how poets have used their craft to reflect on the human experience during wartime, with a special focus on the themes of remembrance and propaganda.

To mark Remembrance Day, students began by studying the poignant poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae. This powerful piece provided a springboard for discussions on the symbolism of poppies, which represent the sacrifices made by soldiers during World War I. Through annotation activities, students closely examined the language and imagery in the poem, reflecting on how McCrae’s words have become a lasting symbol of remembrance.

Building on this, Year 7 then turned their attention to Jessie Pope’s “Who’s for the Game?” In this poem, the students explored the use of an extended metaphor, where war is depicted as a “game” to be played by brave volunteers. They also delved into the role of propaganda during the war, discussing how poets like Pope sought to encourage young men to enlist by presenting war as an exciting and noble endeavor. This led to a creative activity where students designed their own wartime propaganda posters, incorporating key quotations from the poem to reinforce the idea of persuasion and patriotic duty.

Looking ahead, Year 7 will continue their exploration of war poetry with works by Wilfred Owen, including his famous poem “Dulce et Decorum Est”, which starkly contrasts the glorified image of war with the grim reality faced by soldiers. Students will also study Siegfried Sassoon’s “Hero”. which challenges traditional perceptions of heroism, and Ian McMillan’s “The Game”, another powerful piece that questions the romanticized view of war.

This unit is not only enhancing our students’ analytical skills but also encouraging them to think critically about how literature can shape our understanding of history. We are excited to continue this exploration in the weeks ahead!