Oasis Academy Oldham comes together for solemn Remembrance service

Staff and pupils at Oasis Academy Oldham gathered in the central atrium and lined the overlooking balconies yesterday (Nov 11) for a poignant Remembrance service honouring fallen servicemen and women.

The school community came together to pay a moving tribute to those who served in the armed forces and to remember those who gave their lives in conflict. 
 
The service included a performance of the Last Post and Reveille, played on the bugle by the school's head of music, Adam Hall, who was responsible for the musical arrangements. Extracts from the Ode of Remembrance and the Kohima Epitaph were also recited by the student principals. 
 
Mr Hall, who is a member of the RBL Poynton Branch and Musical Director of the Poynton RBL Band, the Legion's only musical ensemble in the North West, admitted that performing in front of the school was one of the most nerve-racking occasions. 
 
He said: "I always feel very nervous in the lead-up to it, but I'm proud of the way the children behaved. They are credit to themselves." 

 
Mr Hall also spoke about his family's long-standing military connections. His father served in the Grenadier Guards and was called up for the Falklands War, while his grandfather was a fighter pilot in the RAF. 
 
His great-grandfather also served in the First World War and was injured at the Battle of the Somme. 
 
Mr Hall said he had spoken to GCSE music pupils about the history of the bugle and its significance during Remembrance services. 
 
He added that this was the third year he had been involved in the school's service, with pupils becoming increasingly familiar with the tradition. 
 
Also taking part was Joe Gill, a teacher at the academy and a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer with the Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC). 
 
He said: "It's really good to be part of the ceremony and to highlight the fact that our students are cadets in the armed forces and other organisations outside of school. It's really important that young people continue to be involved in these organisations." 
 
Reflecting on the service, Mr Gill said he had been involved in Remembrance ceremonies for 15 years and felt increasingly proud to take part each year. 
 
Student principal Ali Chohan also spoke about the importance of the occasion and praised the maturity shown by pupils during the service. 
Ali explained how the service also highlighted the importance of bringing people from different backgrounds together. 
 
He said: "I've had friends whose grandparents and family members fought in the war. It gave me a sense of comfort seeing people from different cultures across the academy come together and show inclusivity by taking part in Remembrance Day." 
 
Student principal, Eniola Ogungbenro reflected on the emotional impact of hearing the bugle during the service, saying it made her think about her father, grandfather and family roots in Nigeria. 
 
She said the occasion made her realise that war had affected countries around the world, including both Nigeria and the UK. 
 
Reflecting on the sacrifices made by servicemen and women, she said: "It makes you realise that there are people who actually go out there and risk their lives just for your safety. 
 
"It's not simply that you can wake up every morning and enjoy peace because of what prime ministers or leaders say. It's because people are willing to put themselves in danger and risk their lives to serve and protect the country we call home here in the United Kingdom." 
 
The school's catering manager, Sheree Hardman (pictured below), also helps keep the memory of those who served alive through a special display in the canteen each year.  

Sheree has a personal family connection to the two World Wars, with both her grandfather and father having served. 

Her grandfather served with the West Riding Regiment during the First World War, fighting in Belgium and France. Her father served in the RAF's 52nd Squadron during the Second World War. 
 
The display in the dinner hall features Sheree’s family memorabilia, including medals and a letter from the King following her grandfather's death. 
 
She added that children were increasingly familiar with the display as it had become an annual part of the school's Remembrance activities. 

Lochlan Pearson-Mulvey, a pupil at the school and member of RAFAC said the service gave him a chance to reflect on the past servicemen and women who served this country on deployments around the world. 

For proud History teacher Molly McGlone, the service was a deeply personal moment that connected the classroom to the community. 

She said: "Several students have said how important the event is - sharing stories of their own family members who have served. It was so heartwarming to see and hear students sharing stories of what their families do to remember their family members.  

"Remembrance is important to me as my ancestors fought in the British Empire's Army. It is important to me that we continue to remember the sacrifice made for our freedoms." 

Standing among the rows of silent students, Christopher Mason watched the cohort absorb the meaning of the two-minute silence, he added: "As Assistant Headteacher for Personal Development, I believe Remembrance Day plays a vital role in helping young people understand the sacrifices made by previous generations and the freedoms we enjoy today.  

"In a school community as diverse as ours, it provides a powerful opportunity for students from all backgrounds to come together in reflection, gratitude, and respect. By marking Remembrance Day, we not only honour those who served, but also reinforce the British values of mutual respect, tolerance, individual liberty, and community, helping our students develop into thoughtful, responsible citizens."