TWO schools that once had pupils on opposite sides of the battlefield joined forces for an exhibition to commemorate the First World War.

Abingdon School invited pupils from Ratsgymnasium Bielefeld in Germany for an exhibition on the Great War’s impact on the schools.

Records show that former students at both schools were casualties in the same battles, but for almost 50 years they have been partners in an exchange programme.

The display at the Park Road school includes letters from and photographs of fallen soldiers from Abingdon School, as well as a collection of essays written by German pupils at the outbreak of war in August 1914.

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Pupils from Bielefeld have been visiting Abingdon School for a week-long exchange.

Abingdon School’s archivist, Sarah Wearne, who came up with the idea for the exhibition, said: “I felt that the friendship, not only between our two schools, but between our two countries, should be acknowledged by showing a respect for our war experiences.”

Abingdon pupil Calum Steer, 14, said: “The partnership with the German students is really interesting. It highlights cultural differences but also shows how much we have in common as well.”

German student Tjorven Woermann, 14, said: “I think it is important to know about each other’s history and I am happy we get on so well today.”

Dr Marli Schuetze, teacher of English and French at Ratsgymnasium Bielefeld, said: “As Germans we want to show that we want to live up to the responsibility to learn from history. It is something of a peace project for us — more about what we share than what separates us.”

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