A Child's War

This term, Year 5/6 have been learning about life during World War II through their topic “A Child’s War.” The children have focused on what it was like to grow up during this time, developing an understanding of how the war affected everyday life in Britain.

They have explored evacuation, where many children were sent away from cities such as London to keep them safe, and learned about The Blitz and the use of air raid shelters. The children also looked at rationing and how families managed with limited food, as well as key events including the Battle of Britain. In addition, they studied important individuals such as Winston Churchill and Anne Frank, helping them to understand different perspectives of the war.

In English, children confidently wrote their own persuasive speeches inspired by wartime messaging, as well as detailed biographies of key figures such as Winston Churchill and Anne Frank, developing their use of formal language and effective writing techniques. In History, they built a secure understanding of the sequence of events during World War II, using a range of historical sources to explore how the war impacted people’s daily lives.

In Geography, children explored evacuation in more detail, looking at why children were moved from cities such as London to safer rural locations, and considering how location affected people’s experiences. In Science, they investigated fossils, learning how they are formed over time and what they can tell us about the past.

To enhance their learning, the children visited the Imperial War Museum, where they explored World War II exhibitions and saw artefacts, letters, and personal stories from the period. This visit helped bring the children’s classroom learning to life, giving them a real sense of what life was like for children and families during the war.

Overall, the children have developed a thoughtful and informed understanding of this important period in history, alongside key skills in writing, enquiry and critical thinking.