Veterans teach Byker pupils about the importance of Remembrance Day

Veterans, from the Launchpad charity, shared their invaluable experience with Year 6 pupils at Byker primary school, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Launchpad’s Avondale House is conveniently located next to the school, and this has previouly enabled staff and residents to deliver talks and activities around Armed Forces Day and Remembrance Day.

On this occasion over 60 pupils learned more about Remembrance Day. And the ongoing importance of honouring those who serve and have served.

Children also participated in a creative art session where they designed poppies and drew posters to indicate what Remembrance means to them.

Staff and the pupils from Year 6 were also invited to the Remembrance service held at St. Michael’s Church to pay their respects and showcase their poppies and creative designs.

The children also met Avondale House residents and visited the garden of remembrance. This is situated in the centre of the courtyard within the house and was shown some of the work of last year’s students.

Sam Hughes, Assistant Manager (Projects at Launchpad) said:

Launchpad’s Avondale House is located in the heart of the Byker estate so it’s important for us to engage with the local school and community so they can understand who we are and how we support veterans who need additional support once they leave service and have found the transition to civilian life difficult. The children really welcome the activities we organise for them but it’s nice they learn about the importance of Remembrance Day and participate in the church service.

Liam Thacker, Year 6 Teacher at Byker Primary School, said: “This has been a wonderful experience for our Year 6 students to work with the staff and veterans from Launchpad’s Avondale House and to attend this morning’s Remembrance service at the local church. The children proudly displayed their creative poppies at the front of the church for all to see.”

“All year groups do some work around Remembrance Day, but it is nice that our Year 6 pupils were able to gain a deeper understanding with regards to the meaning of the day itself.”

“We have a long-standing partnership with Launchpad and the pupils who attended last years’ service still talk about the occasion. All our pupils are appreciative of the opportunity and how important Remembrance Day is to our community as a whole.”

Launchpad is a Veterans’ Gateway Referral Partner.