Living Through History: Year 5 & 6 Step Back to WW2
In January, the evocative words of Neville Chamberlain's 1939 address resonated through the classrooms of Years 5 and 6, marking the commencement of our immersive World War II topic, 'We'll Meet Again.' To authentically recreate the wartime atmosphere, windows were meticulously taped to simulate bomb protection, and classrooms were blacked out. The piercing sound of an air-raid siren echoed through the corridors, prompting pupils to seek shelter under their desks until the all-clear was given.
Throughout the term, our young historians delved into significant events of the Second World War, exploring topics such as The Blitz, The Holocaust, The Battle of Britain, and the D-Day landings. A highlight of this immersive learning experience occurred on 4th February, when pupils, equipped with gas mask boxes and identity labels, were 'evacuated' to Kent Life. There, they stepped into the shoes of wartime evacuees, engaging in activities like 'digging for victory' and learning the responsibilities involved in joining the Air Raid Precautions (ARP) and the Home Guard.
The culmination of our 'We'll Meet Again' topic was a joyous VE Day celebration held on the top lawn. Pupils enjoyed a traditional tea party and participated in 1940s games, bringing history to life and fostering a deeper understanding of the resilience and camaraderie that defined this pivotal era.
