A moving film for Remembrance Sunday

As we approach a national lockdown, Alsop High School students have created a film for classroom based collective worship to enable young people to commemorate Armistice Day. The film is online to for schools to use.

Students led a special assembly with the Rev Fiona Pennie, Interim Priest, at Walton Parish Church. Filming took place at the school war memorial and in Walton Parish Church. During the film, Alsop students recall the tale of the Walton Pals. These were a group of friends, who were members of the Walton Church Young Men’s Bible Study Class. During World War One, led by Percy Tucker, they joined the Liverpool King’s Regiment.

They all joined up together and went off to fight on the Western Front in France. They fought together during the Battle of the Somme and unfortunately, they died together. The name of Percy J Tucker appears on the Thiepval Memorial in France.

Mr Chris Wilson, headteacher said: “This is a beautiful film. It is so poignant and moving. Our students have achieved something wonderful to be shared with schools across Liverpool and beyond.

“We have been astounded by the level of interest in the film and the messages we have received from near and far.”

Liverpool Councillor Barbara Murray said: “The video is remarkable, poignant, moving and relevant. Very well done to all involved. The pupils have done the school proud with a serious and mature presence throughout.”

Mr Paul Smalley, senior lecturer at Edge Hill University said: “Do take a look at this fantastic resource created by Alsop High School as an act of collective worship for Remembrance Sunday. I hope that schools will make use of it. Well done to Alsop and all the students involved in it”

Chris Tay, headteacher, Longden CE Primary School said: “Just to say a heartfelt thank you and well done to your pupils for a sensitive and moving service. So important to locate it in the current situation with regard to which we all send our best wishes, thoughts and prayers to those in crisis at this time. Thanks again for sharing that with us; this will be an inspiration to my staff as they prepare their own acts in their classrooms next week.”

The film and can be viewed, via the link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hui6kJ7EglI

Mr Peter Bull, head of religious education at Alsop said: “This year schools are unable to gather formally to commemorate Remembrance Sunday. As a school, we felt it was important to remember those young men from our community who gave their lives to enable us to enjoy the freedoms we have today.”

For more information about the Armistice commemoration video contact: office@alsophighschool.org.uk or visit www.alsophighschool.org.uk