Historic Royal Palaces partners with Discovery Education to broadcast live school assembly from Tower of London to enhance First World War remembrance for teachers and pupils in the UK, US and Canada

Monday November the 10th will mark a historic first for schools in the UK, US and Canada when at 2.30 GMT Discovery Education, global leader in standards-based digital content and professional development, working in partnership with Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that cares for the Tower of London, will host a live virtual event from the moat of the Tower of London to commemorate the centenary of the First World War. Entitled Remembrance: A National School Assembly, this unique learning experience will include a close-up view of the wonderful poppy installation which has captured the public’s imagination, as well as plenty of opportunities to reflect on the meaning of Remembrance 100 years on from the start of the First World War. Designed to engage teachers and pupils in schools across the globe to help them understand the importance of the First World War Remembrance, the content will centre on three simple questions which will help transform student understanding of this historic occasion – Why should we remember? Why is 100 years significant? How do you want to remember?

The event is part of Discovery Education’s global efforts to support educators and students in honouring those who have served in the armed forces, in conjunction with Remembrance Day in the UK and Canada, and Veterans Day in the United States.

Aimed primarily at 7-14 year olds (Key Stages 2 and 3), but suitable for all given the nature of this historic event, this live school assembly, aligned with the national curriculum, has been inspired by Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, the stunning artwork comprising 888,246 ceramic poppies – each one representing a British military fatality during the war -tumbling down the walls and filling the moat at the Tower of London. Hosted by Tim Vincent, former Blue Peter presenter and now NBC’s Access Hollywood correspondent, directed by Oliver MacFarlane, series editor for Blue Peter and the BBC Proms, and produced by Lewis Bronze, Director of Content at Discovery Education and former Editor of Blue Peter, highlights include the story of the breathtaking artwork Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, and a bugler playing The Last Post.

During the virtual event, six pupils from Pakeman Primary School in Islington, London will connect virtually with a Canadian classroom in Hamilton, Ontario. Using Skype, the students in the UK and Canada will collaborate and explore the three essential questions around Remembrance Day – Why should we remember? Why is 100 years significant? How do you want to remember?

Lewis Bronze – Director of Content, Discovery Education

‘It’s a privilege for Discovery Education to be in this amazing place where the Tower of London has created a modern artwork which encapsulates a century of tradition. For those that can’t see it for themselves this assembly is a unique opportunity to bring its majesty and beauty into thousands of classrooms worldwide.’

The event will be streamed live by Discovery Education. Schools can register free at http://www.discoveryeducationuk.com/remembrance. Only one ticket per location or classroom is required. Schools that are unable to listen to the live broadcast will be notified when the archive footage is available.