Children and staff across Defence Children Services (DCS) schools and settings fell silent on 11 November as they joined the nation in honouring those who have served and sacrificed for their country.
From Cyprus to Germany, and across MOD locations worldwide, young people in DCS schools and settings took part in moving commemorations to mark Remembrance Day. As the clock struck 11:00 in each time zone, the poignant observances saw pupils of all ages come together to reflect on the significance of the day and remember the fallen. From the early morning silence in Germany to ceremonies held later in the day in Cyprus, the act of remembrance rippled across the MOD Schools community, demonstrating its global reach.
This year’s commemorations included a variety of activities tailored to each setting, from traditional two-minute silences and wreath-laying ceremonies to creative projects exploring the themes of remembrance, peace, and gratitude. Schools incorporated age-appropriate activities, ensuring even the youngest children could engage meaningfully with this important occasion.
In Italy, British Forces School Naples welcomed practitioners from the charity Never Such Innocence, who previously awarded Key Stage 2 pupils third place in their annual song-writing competition. The charity is dedicated to giving children and young people opportunities to reflect on conflict, and a platform to amplify their voices. Over three days, pupils explored themes of service, sacrifice, peace, and conflict through art, poetry, and music workshops. They created heartfelt pieces inspired by this year’s competition theme of imagining different perspectives of war. As a culmination, pupils performed a poem and sang a specially written song at the Remembrance Service in their local church on Sunday, offering a moving tribute that showcased their talents and deep understanding of remembrance and peace.
In the Netherlands, children, parents, and staff from AFNORTH International School united for a poignant Remembrance Assembly on Tuesday. This was an international collaboration led by Year 6 students, between all sections of AFNORTH School: British, Canadian, American and German. The event honoured the bravery and sacrifice of those who served in conflicts worldwide through poetry, song, and peace quotes. Guest speaker Colonel Loijka delivered inspiring messages on service, teamwork, and freedom. Representatives from all classes laid handmade wreaths before observing a minute’s silence. The assembly truly highlighted the purpose of being a part of a NATO school; having the ability to work together internationally in the name of peace and freedom.
In Gibraltar at St. Christopher’s EYFS school and Sunflowers Early Years, all children aged from 1-year-olds to 5-year-olds, took part in making red poppies to be part of the SSAFA Gibraltar and HQs British Forces Gibraltar Remembrance display. A variety of media was used to make them, from painting, collage and texture printing, resulting in many vibrant red poppies for the display.
In Cyprus, St John’s School and Episkopi Primary School came together to honour the service and sacrifice of Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and families. The event hosted by St John’s School saw performances from the Episkopi and St John’s School Band and Year 5 Episkopi Primary School students as they performed the poem ‘For the Fallen’. Students also learnt about the bravery of Sergeant Johnson Beharry VC, who was awarded the Victoria Cross in 2005 for his heroic acts in 2004 whilst serving with the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment in Iraq. Episkopi Garrison is the current home of the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment and therefore the parent regiment of many of our students. Together, they observed a two-minute silence, which was marked by the Last Post, performed by the Bugler of the Band of the Royal Army Medical Service, and concluded with the Reveille.
In addition to the joint event, children at Episkopi Primary School took part in a series of thoughtful activities to commemorate Remembrance Day. Pupils across the school painted pebbles with poppies, learning about their symbolism and the importance of remembrance in an age-appropriate way. Students represented the school at the Episkopi Station Remembrance Service on Sunday, performing poetry as part of the wider community’s tribute. Through these activities, pupils reflected on the courage and sacrifice of others, gaining a deeper understanding of why it is important to remember and show gratitude for those who gave so much.
Queen Berengaria School took part in various activities, with children and parents participating in aspecial poppy-making workshop, creating a collective beautiful tribute which is proudly displayed at the school’s entrance. Over the weekend, several pupils represented the school by performing their own poetry during the Remembrance Service at Ayios Nikolaos Station. On Tuesday, the school held its own Remembrance Service, which included readings and reflective songs. These activities offered pupils a meaningful opportunity to understand the importance of Remembrance, show respect, and express their thoughts, ensuring the message of remembrance and hope continues to inspire future generations.
ESBA Early Years hosted a Poppy Workshop, bringing together families and children to create beautiful poppies which are proudly displayed in the Memory Garden. This peaceful space for reflection provided a place to gather and observe a two-minute silence in remembrance of those who have fallen.
Akrotiri Early Years marked Remembrance Day with thoughtful activities centred on kindness, peace, and gratitude. Families contributed handmade poppies with messages of hope for a special poppy wall, creating a touching display of unity. The children also baked ANZAC biscuits for their parents to enjoy, a nod to the traditional biscuits that were once made by families and sent to soldiers during wartime as a gesture of love and appreciation. These activities helped to foster a sense of respect and togetherness within the nursery community.
Akrotiri School also made meaningful contributions to the remembrance period at RAF Akrotiri. Two talented students delivered moving poems during the station’s official act of remembrance, while the entire school gathered at the 453 March finish line to commemorate the 453 UK Armed Forces personnel who lost their lives in Afghanistan. The creativity of the pupils shone through impressive artwork in Foundation Stage 2 and heartfelt poetry in Key Stage 2, expressing respect and gratitude while deepening their understanding of remembrance. These efforts reflect the school’s strong sense of community and commitment to honouring the legacy of those who have served.
Meanwhile, the children of Mount Pleasant School showed their respects by standing proudly alongside their families and the whole of the British Forces South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI) community. The Remembrance event took place at the community memorial, where the school joined together with BFSAI military personnel. Three children from Mount Pleasant School each placed a carefully crafted wooden cross into a wooden base, made by the local carpenter, before respectfully bowing their heads. This meaningful experience helped the children develop their understanding of Remembrance, supporting their reflection on the realities and sacrifices of war and conflict. It also provided an opportunity to express their gratitude for the brave men and women who gave their lives fighting for the peace and freedoms enjoyed today. Additionally, Mount Pleasant School participated in an online Remembrance learning event, which brought their learning to life through art, poetry, and interviews with veterans.
For children in military families, Remembrance Day holds particular meaning. Many have experienced the reality of parental deployment, understand the commitment of service life, and have a personal connection to the Armed Forces that makes the act of remembrance especially significant. These young people, who live the realities of service life every day, brought a depth of understanding to the commemorations that was both moving and profound.