Living history reaches 500 students with help from WFA grant
A £500 grant from the Western Front Association has helped bring the First World War to life for Warwickshire students, funding a day of hands-on workshops.
Over 500 students from The Avon Valley School and Performing Arts College recently came face to face with Great War history as part of a hands-on learning experience.
The enrichment activity gave students an insight into the conflict and provided a valuable learning opportunity for Year 10 and Year 11 students preparing for their GCSE History examinations, which take place in just a few weeks’ time.
The First World War sessions were led by living historian and expert David Allton from Frontline Living History. During the hour-long workshops, participating students learned about weapons, wounds, and the experiences endured by soldiers more than 110 years ago. Students had the opportunity to see and handle relics from the period, including uniforms, weapons, battlefield shrapnel, and even a trench periscope.
Nancy, a Year 8 student, said: “It was amazing to see all of the equipment and weapons that were used by soldiers in the First World War. I’ve always loved history, but hearing about the soldiers’ experiences has made me even more interested in this topic, which I am currently learning about in my lessons.
“I think it was really unfair that women would give men white feathers for not being in the army, and I can’t believe that boys aged 14 and 15 were able to join the army to fight, as they are almost the same age as me.
“I’d really like to learn more about how soldiers lived in the trenches and what they did after the war ended. One day I’d like to visit the battlefields where the fighting took place.”
Dan Phelan, History teacher, said: “Earlier in the year we applied for, and successfully obtained, a £500 grant from the Western Front Association, which went a long way towards funding this experience for our students. As time passes, the events of the past become increasingly distant and, without opportunities like this, risk being forgotten. We are therefore very grateful to the WFA for helping us make this event possible for the benefit of over 500 of our students.”
Headteacher Blake Francis said: “Our students were thoroughly engaged throughout the session delivered by David. It is always valuable to welcome external speakers to work with our students, as this really helps bring their learning to life. David was fantastic, and our students gained a great deal from the workshops and questions they asked.”
The WFA’s education grants support schools, colleges and youth groups across the UK in running First World War learning activities that might otherwise be out of reach. Teachers interested in applying for a grant can find details on our website.
