Pupils and staff at a Croydon primary school marked Remembrance day last week by creating a living art installation.

Inspired by The Tower of London’s ceramic poppy major installation, pupils organised themselves into a giant ‘100’ figure, with each pupil bowing their heads, holding poppies they had created using recycled plastic bottles.

In total, 220 number of poppies were created ahead of Remembrance Sunday this weekend to honour those who have sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom. Pupils and staff at St Aidan’s will also observe a two minute silence at 11am on Friday 9th November to mark the end of the First World War.

Mr Diarmuid Skehan, Headteacher at St Aidan’s Catholic Primary School in Coulsdon, said: “At such a significant landmark in our country’s history, it was very important that we gave the children an experience befitting of the centenary of Armistice Day.

“As a school, we learned about the amazing heroes and heroines who have family ties to our school.

"It was incredible how many of our pupils were able to bring in treasured artefacts from home, including medals and photographs, which really enriched the learning experience for their peers.

“We’re all extremely proud of the excellent work the pupils produced this week, including letters, diary entries, our art installation and analysis of propaganda posters – it really shows the value of bringing learning to life through experiences like this.”

Mrs Samantha Esparon, History subject lead at St Aidan’s, said: "The learning atmosphere around the school was fantastic! The children fully embraced what life was like for all those involved during The First World War.

"We focused on engaging and immersing pupils through a variety of sources of evidence. This helped with getting into role and produced many emotive and thoughtful comments. The children were very reverent and reflective in understanding the sacrifices made.”