Our history of warfare school trips are carefully designed to help students understand how warfare had changed and developed from the time of the Napoleonic Wars up to the end of WW2.
By visiting key destinations and having the opportunity to see for themselves the various equipment and technology used, as well as learn about the lives of the soldiers from contemporary accounts, students will develop their comprehension of the contexts in which these changes occurred.
These school history trips take in two or more locations specific to each period, such as Normandy and the Somme, and Waterloo, Ypres and Dunkirk, allowing students to draw direct comparisons between them.
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History of warfare school trips to France
If you choose to visit France on your history of warfare school trip, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Normandy and the Somme. Here, your students will discover the development in technology and tactics between WW1 and WW2.
In the Somme, you’ll learn about trench warfare and the introduction of tanks. Your students will see how quickly technology developed during that war alone. And your students will experience the conditions that soldiers lived in while fighting in the trenches. They’ll develop their understanding of why trench warfare was so destructive and will see the huge scale of human life lost with visits to WW1 cemeteries.
They’ll then be able to compare what they’ve learned about WW1 with what they experience in Normandy as they learn about WW2. They’ll discover how technology advanced even further during WW2, as they explore the Mulberry Harbours used during the Normandy landings and the infamous Atlantic Wall built by the Germans along the French coast.
History of warfare school trips to France and Belgium
If you’d like your students to take in a broader time period, you may like to consider a history of warfare school trip to France and Belgium, taking in Waterloo, Ypres and Dunkirk.
In Waterloo, your students will explore how wars were fought in the early 19th century, when the Napoleonic Wars dominated Europe. They’ll learn about cavalries and infantries, and the development of small arms weapons, such as rifles which required minimal training, allowing for conscription.
In Ypres, they’ll explore how by WW1, warfare tended to rely on the use of field artillery to support trench-based troops, who were at constant risk of machine gun fire, gas attacks and, increasingly, the threat of aeroplanes.
And in Dunkirk, they’ll discover how WW2 marked a real shift to total war, with whole nations mobilised to support the war effort, such as during Operation Dynamo when small boats were sent to help evacuate Allied troops. And aerial bombing was now an important component, bringing the battlefield to civilians.
Why arrange a history of warfare school trip?
Let them experience the history
Students studying the history of warfare will love the opportunity to visit the scenes of battles that they’ve been studying, to learn more about the experience of the soldiers that fought in these wars and how their experiences changed as the technology and strategies developed.
This practical experience of history will help them to consolidate what you’ve been learning in the classroom and will really help them to recall the important information in exams.
It will also give them the opportunity to take their learning further by giving them time to contemplate why people have put so much energy into the development of warfare and whether any innovations or developments were for the good.
Encourage a passion for history
History is endlessly fascinating, but by getting out of the classroom and brining history to life, you’ll be giving your students the chance to see for themselves how exciting it can be.
On your history of warfare school trip, your students will have the opportunity to learn about real people’s experiences of war, reminding themselves that the events that they’re studying happened to real, ordinary people just like them.
They’ll be able to make connections between the historical events you’re studying and the wars that are happening in the world today. How has the development of warfare continued? What do these historical wars teach us about our present? Your history school trip will help them to see that studying history will develop their understanding of the world around them and this could really encourage a deep-rooted passion for history!
Enjoy the trip as much as your students
Originally founded by former teachers, we understand the value of history school trips and how to make them successful.
Your trip will be completely tailor made, to ensure that it meets your specific requirements and learning objectives. And we’ll be on hand throughout the process to answer any questions you have.
In fact, we’ll be with you every step of the way, from now until you return home at the end of your trip. While abroad, you’ll be able to reach us with just one phone call, at any time of the day or night. And, with this comprehensive level of support while you’re away, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy immersing yourself in history as much as your students.
Why choose Halsbury?
Here are just a few reasons why teachers choose Halsbury for educational school trips that inspire.
School trips designed by teachers for teachers
Originally founded by teachers in 1986, we understand the pressures on you as Group Leader and are here to make the process of running your school trip as easy as possible.
School trips tailored to your curriculum
We'll design your trip around your specific learning objectives and curriculum, to ensure your school trip is a truly educational experience.
Health & safety prioritised
As a proud Assured Member of the School Travel Forum, the health and safety of your group is always our priority.
Support every step of the way
We'll be with you every step of the way, from your very first enquiry until the moment you return home, including 24-hour support while you’re on your school trip.
Financially secure school trips
We're ABTA bonded and all our air tours are ATOL protected, so you can be sure that your school trip is financially secure.
Rewarding loyalty scheme
You'll earn loyalty points from your very first school trip with Halsbury. These can be used towards a discount on your school trip or a free gift for your school.