As you know the outbreak of the Second World War was exactly seventy years ago and large numbers of children were evacuated from London to the countryside. Our Year 2 children came dressed as evacuees, carrying their small suitcases, gas masks and with a label to state their name and school. As they came in their parents had a notice to read:

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17^TH, 1939  

PLEASE BE SURE TO SEND YOUR CHILD WITH A PACKED BAG AND A GAS MASK (IN BOX) BY 8.45AM.

CHILDREN  MUST COME TO SCHOOL AS USUAL. PUT WHAT YOU CAN IN THEIR BAGS, PACK ONLY ONE TOY, WAVE 'GOODBYE' AND DON'T WORRY!

The children boarded the train in the classroom and heard the puff of the steam train as well as the voice of Vera Lynn singing 'We'll Meet Again'.

The day was filled with activities related to the war effort but the biggest treat was in store for the afternoon when The Rainbow Theatre Company' led a workshop for us entitled 'We'll Meet Again'.  As the children entered the PAC they took part in a 1939 assembly on the day that war broke out. They were met by the 'headmistress' who explained to them that they were to be evacuated that very morning. The children were then given a lecture by an Air Raid Warden concerning the wearing of gas masks before setting off to the railway station. When they arrived at their destination they were met by the billeting officer and selected by their host families.

The children were then divided into groups and each group was engaged in a different scene. The whole event was very interactive and all the children had a wonderful learning experience. Our topic has definitely become more alive!