Pupils from Senior Boys, Senior Girls and Sixth Form gathered together at The Magnet Leisure Centre for a pupil led service, to remember the bravery of those who lost their lives in the Great War, and to think of those that serve our country today.

The service began with a welcome from James Wilding, Academic Principal, and Andy Giles, Head of Sixth Form delivering a speech on the purpose of the service. There were several readings, which included a reading by Todd and Camilla, where they read the Queen’s 2018 message to the Commonwealth, ‘Towards a Common Future’; a reading by Hugh Wilding, Administrative Principal, titled ‘A War Memorial for Maidenhead College’; Penny Hawker, Deputy Head of Senior Girls, reading ‘This Loneliest Hour’ - an extract from ‘Testament of Youth’ by Vera Brittain; and the reading of Philip Larkin’s poem ‘MCMXIV’ by Margaret Heywood, Head of Senior Girls. Head Boy Matt read Year 9 pupil James’s poem ‘A War of Gods Chess Set’ and Head Girl Deia read ‘War Poem’, written by Jessica and Mia, Year 5 pupils.

A slideshow was also given on the Never Such Innocence work different Year groups have been involved in. Year 5 Junior Girls’ poetry and Year 7, 8, 9 boys’ and girls’ artwork was presented, alongside music composed and performed by Year 8 pupil Scarlett Bennett and Year 9 pupil Hannah Senior. Watch the video here.

A series of musical items were performed throughout the service, with the Senior Musicians’ ensemble and Niamh producing a wonderful rendition of ‘Lascia Ch’io Pianga’ by Handel; the staff, Senior Girls and Senior Boys choir singing ‘Requiem for a Soldier’; Cassie and Josh performing ‘Imagine’, composed by Bill Morgan and Josh Morgan; and finally Lewis performing ‘Panis Angelicus’ by Cesar Franck. The final words and blessing were given by John Rayer, Head of Senior Boys. Watch a video of the full service here.