Our Year 6 students have been diving into the fascinating and challenging history of World War II this term. In their lessons, they’ve explored not only the major events that led up to the war but also the impact it had on everyday life, especially for children.
A key focus has been on the experiences of evacuees, those young children sent away from major cities to rural areas to escape the dangers of bombing raids. To bring this part of history to life, the children worked in groups, examining real historical sources that reveal what life was like during the Blitz in Dagenham. Through photographs, letters, and newspaper clippings, they’ve gained a deeper understanding of the fear and resilience of the people who lived through such turbulent times.
This history topic ties in perfectly with our current English book, Letters from the Lighthouse, which tells the story of two children from East London who are evacuated to Devon. The students have been making connections between their historical studies and the characters in the novel, enhancing both their understanding of history and their engagement with the story.
It’s been an exciting, hands-on approach to learning, and our Year 6 students are becoming true history detectives as they uncover the personal stories and events of WWII!
