This term, our children have travelled through time, solved secret codes, baked like it’s the 1940s, and even experienced what it might have felt like to be evacuated during the war. It has truly been an unforgettable few months, filled with rich learning opportunities and the development of independence, creativity, and resilience.
Life on the Home Front – WW2 Comes to Life
Our theme this term was War and Peace, and what an incredible journey it has been. We began by deepening our understanding of the Blitz – the relentless bombing campaign that left a lasting impact on cities across Britain. Pupils stepped into the role of wartime reporters, writing powerful newspaper articles that explored the effects of the Blitz, particularly focusing on its impact on our local area of Newport. Their work captured not only the devastation, but also the remarkable sense of community and resilience shown during such difficult times.
Steam Train Evacuation Experience
Next came our Steam Train Evacuation Day – one of the most immersive and memorable experiences we’ve ever had! Each child carefully sewed their own teddy bear companion to take on the journey, just as evacuee children would have done. With jam sandwiches and Anzac biscuits packed, we set off for a day full of adventure.
During the experience, pupils took part in a range of wartime activities and sang cheerful songs to boost morale, just as evacuees might have done. When we returned ‘home’, the children wrote heartfelt letters from the perspective of an evacuee. Their writing was full of emotion, empathy, and rich historical detail, showing just how deeply they had engaged with the experience.
Codebreaking, Creativity and Courage
We also explored the vital roles women played during the war, learning about Land Girls, factory workers, and codebreakers who kept the country running. Inspired by this, pupils became codebreakers themselves, using Microbits to create and crack secret messages. This exciting activity combined computing skills with historical learning.Beyond the Battlefield – Science, Health and Discovery
This term wasn’t just about the 1940s. During Science Week, pupils became investigators, asking the question: Do taller soldiers jump further? They collected data, analysed results, and presented their findings using scatter graphs, developing both their scientific thinking and data-handling skills.
In addition, we explored the fascinating journey of a red blood cell using Spheros, helping to bring complex scientific concepts to life in a fun and interactive way. Pupils also created digital comic strips and built their understanding of challenging scientific vocabulary.
We were also fortunate to take part in a hands-on sugar workshop with Newport Live, where pupils learned about the impact of sugar on the body and how to make healthier choices. This linked perfectly with our healthy eating workshop led by a Chartwells dietician. The children explored the Eatwell Plate, took part in a quiz, and even made their own colourful “rainbow wraps,” gaining practical skills for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Wellbeing and Community
Throughout the term, we have continued to prioritise wellbeing and kindness. Pupils used our wellbeing app regularly and took part in kindness challenges across the school, helping to create a supportive and positive environment for everyone.
Celebrating Our Learning – VE Day Event
To conclude this incredible topic, we invited families to our FACE VE Day event on Wednesday 25th April. It was a wonderful afternoon celebrating the 81st anniversary of VE Day, filled with sandwiches, cakes, and shared stories.
The children proudly showcased their work, spoke confidently about their learning, and demonstrated just how much they had gained from the topic. They even designed their own invitations and managed a budget for the event, developing valuable real-life skills. To top it all off, pupils prepared a range of traditional WW2 recipes, including the ever-popular carrot cookies and cheese and marmite swirls – a delicious way to end a truly memorable term.
