As part of our Battle of Britain History topic and current text we are reading in English ‘My Secret War Diary’ by Marcia Williams, we asked the children to come into school dressed as an evacuee for a World War II experience. When the children arrived, they were greeted by either Professor Edwards in 6S and Squadron Leader Keenan in 6FC. Air Raid Warden Soper soon arrived to check the health and safety of the classrooms along with checking that the evacuees who had just arrived from either London or from Exeter had their identify cards and gas masks. She discussed how to keep themselves safe at all times and regularly checked that their identity cards were being carried.
Throughout the day, the children were involved with investigative activities, exploring many WW2 artefacts, including newspapers and propaganda reading materials, to unusual objects used around the house or from the battlefield. The children enjoyed dressing up in a range of British, American and Russian uniforms and learning about military cap badges, pins and medals. Squadron Leader Keenan discussed and helped the children learn about the different countries that took part in the build-up to the Second World War. He grouped the children to represent these countries and discuss, around a flag covered table, the tactics and strategies to help win the war.
After break, the children were put through their paces with Corporal Southgate, who taught them drill and finished their parade with an inspection from Squadron Leader Keenan
