Last week, the Year 6 students had the incredible opportunity to visit the local museum Valence House, where they took a step back in time to learn more about the Second World War. The visit was filled with fascinating insights into what life was like for children and families during the war, especially in their the Barking and Dagenham area.
The students were shown a variety of artefacts that brought history to life. One of the highlights was seeing the types of essential items that evacuees would carry in a simple pillowcase to their temporary homes in the countryside – there were no iPads or mobile phones included! They also got a chance to see the helmets worn by Air Raid Precaution (ARP) wardens, who helped protect civilians during air raids. Identity cards from the period were another object of curiosity, showing the importance of documentation during wartime.
One of the most engaging parts of the visit was the chance to take part in some role play. The children participated in activities that gave them a glimpse into the lives of wartime children, helping them to connect emotionally with the past. They also explored an Anderson Shelter, which vividly helped them imagine the what it was like living through an air raid. The children were also given the privilege of looking through the museum achieves where they house fascinating maps and records from the era.
The students left Valence House buzzing with new knowledge and a greater understanding of what their community experienced during WWII. For those interested in exploring local history further, Valence House is open to the public and offers a great learning experience for both children and adults.
