Exeter pupils walk 10 miles to mark First World War centenary

On Friday 9th November, 100 students from Isca Academy in Exeter marked the centenary of the end of World War One by walking 10 miles from Exmouth to Exeter.

The walk was designed as an act of remembrance, retracing the steps of 100 young men who left their Devon homes to make a sacrifice for their country one hundred years ago.

Walking 10 miles from Exmouth to Exeter, Year 7 and 8 students from Isca Academy marked the final journey on their home soil taken by young men from the training camps of East Devon, before their departure to France.  The students carried with them the names and stories of 100 local heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice and never came home again. 

We are proud to have used this experience to raise money for the British Legion Poppy Appeal with some individuals raising as much as £300.

History teacher, Gemma Adams, who helped organised the walk said “I had the pleasure of walking with the children, and they were wonderful. Answering questions from the public, being very polite and incredibly cheerful despite the long walk and the rain never far behind us. Well done Isca.”

We were also proud to carry The Baton, a reminder of the need to continue to support our armed forces who regularly risk their lives so that we can live in peace and safety. Based in Honiton, the Baton travels globally raising awareness of the armed forces and we are pleased to have had the opportunity to carry it with us on this journey as well.

Head teacher Aimee Mitchell said: “Isca Academy has a proud tradition of excelling at outdoor education activities and the centenary walk seemed like a fitting tribute to mark such a poignant event as the 100th anniversary of the end of WW1. We are so proud of the students’ achievements. “