Their bags are packed and 60 Centennial Collegiate students are ready to study history through the lens of science, in Europe.

The Grade 12 students are taking part in the school’s sixth History Study Tour Program.

Students travel around England and France for a 21-day, history packed adventure.
 
“I felt it was a reasonable approach to have kids engage deeper in their studies of history by actually experiencing many of the locations that they study,” teacher Alan Luciuk said.
 
Each year students study history from a different perspective.

This year, students will examine history through science including archeological digs, history of weaponry and lectures from some of the most prestigious universities in England.

Student Caroline Seshadri is excited for the trip.

“I think it will give a more firsthand experience of what we’ve been learning because only so much can be taught in a classroom,” she said.
 
Others, like Chris Campbell, are excited to attend a lecture at Oxford University.
 
“I’m really interested in the history of science and all things of that nature so getting to do it at such a prestigious university is just a real honour,” he said.

Students have been saving up for years to take part in the exclusive program.
 
The group will also take in several Remembrance Day ceremonies during their trip. Luciuk said some have been preparing for the trip since they first heard about the program.

Students will lay a wreath at the Skipton-on-Swale Royal Air Force base and another in the nearby town for a boy killed in a crash of a badly shot up Halifax bomber. They will also attend a second ceremony at Normandy and explore the history at Vimy Ridge.
 
Luciuk said six students have connections to the world wars and have done research to locate the grave markers of those they are related to.

Campbell said his great uncle died in the Second World War and he hopes to find his plot point.

“I find a lot of the students come back quite different in terms of their maturity or approach to history because they’ve actually had the opportunity to hands on experience it or take the opportunity to walk some of these sacred grounds,” Luciuk said.

With files from News Talk’s Karin Yeske

lkretzel@rawlco.com

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