This morning, Crookhorn College came together in the Sports Hall for our annual Whole College Act of Remembrance.

Almost a thousand students, staff, governors and guests attended the service, which was led by Reverend Honeychurch. The Act of Remembrance began with prayer and a unifying message of hope, as we reflected on those who sacrificed their lives for the freedoms and liberties we enjoy today. Following a reminder of the importance of coming together in remembrance, the College joined our choir in a moving rendition of I Vow to Thee, My Country.

Our service then continued with a presentation led by our Head of History, Mrs McClenaghan, alongside a selection of History students, marking the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. Students highlighted the story of the brave men from Portsmouth and surrounding communities, including Havant, Cosham and Gosport, who served in the 1st and 2nd Hampshire battalions, locally known as the "Pompey Pals". Their courage, sacrifice and service remain an important reminder of the human cost of war and the freedoms secured for future generations.

Mrs Bennett, our Headteacher, then delivered a powerful reading entitled One Hundred Years Have Passed Since the Battle of the Somme. Drawing upon themes from Sebastian Faulks' Birdsong, she reflected on the lives behind the names recorded in history, reminding us that those who fought were ordinary people with hopes, dreams and ambitions. Her reading encouraged us to remember not only their sacrifice, but also the importance of peace, understanding and responsibility in the modern world.

The service continued with readings from our Head Boy and Head Girl, who shared Rupert Brooke's The Soldier and John McCrae's In Flanders Fields. During the readings, our student cadets placed poppy wreaths at the front of the stage before our Rock Choir performed a poignant rendition of Michael Jackson's Earth Song.

At eleven o'clock, the entire College observed a two-minute silence in honour of all those who have served and sacrificed in times of conflict. The silence was concluded with the sounding of the Last Post, bringing our Act of Remembrance to a fitting and reflective close.

Thank you to everyone who attended our Act of Remembrance so respectfully this morning, and well done to all of the students and staff who played a part in making the service such a meaningful occasion. Lest we forget.