Over the past few weeks, a group of S3 Practical Woodworking pupils from Wick High School have been involved in manufacturing poppies to display at the War Memorial in Wick town centre. Pupils have enjoyed the involvement in making something for their community, as well as developing skills in working with an alternative material. Between the three classes, the pupils were able to make around eighty poppies.

Members of the Royal British Legion Scotland (Wick, Canisbay and Latheron Branch) were able to visit the school and witness the manufacture of the poppies in the school workshop. This gave them the opportunity to engage with our young people, and foster a positive link with the school. They were very impressed by the standard of work from the pupils, and their engagement with the project.

The pupils took part in a school trip which involved them having their own service of remembrance at the war memorial. Pupils gathered around whilst Murray Harrold, S2, recited the poem ‘In Flanders Fields’. Murray also organised this years poppy appeal in the school. The group observed a one minute silence to pay their respects and on completion were able to lay their poppies around the war memorial.

After the service, we were invited back to Mackenzie House (RBLS Wick branch) where their members kindly put on drinks and snacks for the pupils. It was great to see the local military history on display and for the kids to meet our veterans community.

Miss Anderson, Secondary Technical Teacher responsible for the organisation of the project said, ‘I’m so proud to see the pupils work displayed around the war memorial. They have worked very hard on this project, and have made a fantastic job of manufacturing the poppies. We’ve had some lovely feedback from members of the community, and intend to embed this project into our school curriculum in technical to continue displaying the poppies for future years.’

Poppies will be available to buy from Wick High School at the end of November.