WW1 Cross-Curricular Expo

by Michelle Gourley, Head of English

Year 9’s class novel for Term 1 was Private Peaceful, Michael Morpurgo’s moving story of two brothers called up for action during the First World War. Tragedy and hope prevail by the end, but only after the author has taken us on a full exploration of the experiences of “Tommies” from recruitment to the front line, including the moral dilemmas faced and harsh conditions endured.

In parallel to our reading of the novel, Year 9 were studying the First World War in History with Mr Hudson. Consequently, as the unit came to a close, the teachers of the English, Humanities and Art departments decided to lay down a challenge: Year 9 were to create their own cross curricular interactive exhibition to inform other students about what they had learnt during this fascinating topic. And so it was that Wednesday 25th January saw Year 9 take over the school hall for a day, set up their stalls and exhibits, and welcome visitors to their own war museum.

Thanks to the efforts of Year 9, there was food to taste, trench warfare experiences to be shared, speeches and poetry performed, and a field hospital where students could learn about common health conditions suffered by the soldiers while receiving their own movie-style wounds and scars. Information and propaganda posters were on display throughout the exhibition to give further context about the terrible conflict that occurred just over a century ago.

After welcoming their Key Stage 3 counterparts in the morning, Year 9 were very happy to receive Years 5 and 6 in the afternoon, along with some parents who took the time to come along and see their impressive work. The students were on hand to guide their younger peers around the various sections of the museum, explaining each aspect very carefully and helping them complete the various activities provided.

Year 9 can be very proud of the work they did and will surely be looking forward to similar projects in the future!