As part of the Remembrance Centenary, year 4 and 5 pupils at Stephenson Way Academy were fortunate enough to spend a full day working with historians from Durham University.
In the morning, the whole of Key Stage 2 came together in an assembly to learn more about the numerous young men who gave their lives for their countries as well as the important role that women played during WW1 and how this altered the course of history. Time was taken for quiet reflection to allow us to remember those brave people.
Throughout the remainder of the day, the visitors guided children through the key events that led to WW1 by allowing them to examine and try on artefacts such as items of clothing.
Martin was very excited to try on the overcoat and said, “I can’t believe how heavy the clothes were, the soldiers must have got so tired wearing them but at least they could keep warm.”
Studying historical evidence enabled a lively debate about WW1 leader General Haig and pupils were surprised to find that opinion amongst them about his leadership was divided, just as it had been at that time in history. Finding out more about Dadaism was also fascinating and the children were astounded at how powerful the poems they created from selecting random words linked to war were. Teagan told us, “Although they were made up of nonsense our poems really helped us to imagine some of what the soldiers and their families felt during the war.” Staff and pupils would like to thank Durham University for their fun and informative session, which will ensure we never forget the fallen.
