Year 5 and Year 6 pupils from Edna G Olds Academy and Webster Primary have been learning about the Holocaust and World War II, visiting the National Holocaust Centre and Museum and creating their own responses. Here is a selection of their work...
Pupils visited the National Holocaust Centre and Museum. There, they experienced 'The Journey' exhibition, which tells the story of a young German Jewish boy who travels to England on the Kindertransport, fleeing Nazi persecution. They also met with Holocaust Survivor Susi Bechhofer and asked her questions about her experience as a Kindertransport evacuee.
Webster Primary School pupils also visited Westminster Abbey, where they met other Holocaust survivors and took part in a memorial service.
This passage is about the exhibitions at the holocaust centre. The first exhibition is about a boy called Leo stein who is Jewish.there are 6 room a living room,a classroom,out side his dad's and the others shops,the kinder transport and a hiding room. Leo's dad's shop was destroyed on the night of broken glass.
We attended Westminster Abbey for the 20th anniversary of the Holocaust centre. We said " We pledge ourselves to promote peace in all the world, to live in generous love for all humanity and to strive for the welfare and unity of the nations." We received white roses from Holocaust survivors. The white roses represented peace. Pupils walked with a Holocaust survivor by their side. We sang prayers with people of different faiths. Westminster Abbey was about being inclusive and showing we respect all religions and not discriminate.
After we learned about Leo's Journey at the Holocaust Centre, we realised that in some ways Leo was very different to us, but we also had lots of things in common. We all enjoy spending time at home with our families and playing with our toys. Although we come from different countries and follow different religions and lived at different times, were are not so different from him. We are all different, but we are all the same.
Pupils then produced their own artwork, poems, diary entries and reflections on everything they had learnt.
Dear diary On the 15th of June 2016 year 5 went to the holocaust centre for the second time. As soon as we arrived we went upstairs into a room to put our belongings. When we went downstairs we watched a video of Leo and his life. After that we had to answer some questions about what’s important to us and what we love. After that we went into an elevator were we got out and entered Leo’s living room. We looked at some of his toys and then we watched a short video of his diary. When we watched the video; we went into Leo’s school. We had to sit on what Leo sat on which was a wooden bench. We realised that a lot of the things were different than ours in his classroom.
Dear Diary Today I went back to the holocaust center on the 15 June to interview a holocaust survivor. The first room we went out to was a massive dark room. Then we got into six groups. The next room we went into was the class room we watch a part of Leos dairy each room we went into. In the afternoon we met another survivor she was called Susie . She told us about her story and how she forgot about her whole family because of the holocaust. She went on kinder transport when she was only three years old. She grew up in an orphanage as her mother Rosa was busy working.
Dear Diary, Today I went back to the holocaust centre to find out more about Leo’s journey. While we were there we also talked to someone called Susie had also survived the holocaust. Susie told us all about her story of the holocaust At the start of the day we went back through all of Leo’s rooms. However this time we had to drop a card off at each room after we had watched a video. Each card had a human right on it, and which ever one Leo have lost we have to leave behind. In the afternoon we met Susie she told use all about how she survived the holocaust. Susie mum called Rosa was Jewish which meant she was Jewish.
Dear diary, Today yr5 went out on a trip to the Holocaust Centre. We went to find out more about the holocaust. While we were there we met another survivor called Susie then we found out more about Leo. First we went into a dark room with a massive screen. We found out about Leos life. Leo is 10 and he lives in Germany with his mum, dad and sister. Then we went up to Leos family living room and realised its very different to ours because a lot of the things we have they don’t. The next room we went in was Leos classroom, because he was Jewish he didn’t get treated fairly. He lost his best friend just because he was Jewish he had been blamed on by Adolf Hitler because he wanted them out of the country.
Leo’s Journey There I was on the train Some of the children sat in pain There was a horrible war Around 1944 Hitler changed the law
Leo stein The train started moving I didn’t bother looking out of the window I could hear my heart beating My name was Leo I wonder what could happen Who would be my new parents? Hitler was certainly rotten The train finally stopped I got off
Leo There I was on the train I am getting tired I wave good bye I hope I’m safe I felt the pain Rush through my veins Tears drop down her cheek She’s sad I can see Now am far away I wish I never came Where shall I stay? It’s getting dark
Leo poem There I was on the train It was such a pain Saying goodbye with my chain It was such a long lain There I was I saw harry Kane I saw him playing his game In the rain it was insane!!!
Dear diary, On the 15th June 2016 my class and I went to one of the best trips ever. Wen also got to talk to someone who survived WW II. What we first did was we recapped what we learned last time about Leo’s journey. Leo is a Jewish kid, who lives with his parents and little sister. In Leo’s journey he went through a series of events, which weren’t so good for him because his family and he is Jude’s and that’s exactly what Adolph Hitler hated. So then Leo had to start his journey (to England). But to get to England he would have to get on the kinder transport. As we recapped all the stuff we did last time we went through the rooms, which represents all the stuff that Leo was talking about. After we went through these rooms to recap everything we then went into a special room, which has a lot of stuff in it. The stuff was actually suitcases. But not just any suitcases but the survivors suitcases. Next to it was a casement full of toys. But again not just any toys but the survivors toys. After this we had lunch. But once we ate our lunch we met… A SURVIVOR her name was Susi Beckovfer. After this we went back home.
Dear diary, I am writing to inform about the second time we went to the Holocaust centre. It was a very decent day and we went to the Holocaust centre because of our good behaviour and they wanted us to make an exhibition there. The Holocaust was made because of the survivors. The survivors survived the World War II. And they told stories in different ways. It was a very long trip but we managed. Once we got there, we were led into a little room were we would eat and discuss things. A lady called Hannah came into the room and told us what we will do. I was looking forward to the day ahead of us. Hannah took us outside so we could go into a big room. In the room was a big room fitted with a screen. It covered the corners. Also it was wide and dark and on the floor was a fuzzy material that we sat on. We entered the room so we could watch a video clip of refuges and a little boy named Leo. We went to many rooms based on Leo’s home. Then we went back to our room ready to eat. After eating class 5 went to a garden where lots of people died. Last of all we went to meet a lady called Susi and she had an interesting story to tell us.
My name is Leo I am 11 Years old I am a Jewish kid Hitler hates every Jew They don’t consider them very well My parents are sending me away As I saw my mother for the last time She was very upset I have no right of staying in Germany.
It was insane! I and my mother felt the pain I gave 1 last wave, To my poor mother I slowly stepped onto the kinder transport, Ready to go All I could hear was NO I started at my mother’s big fat tear As I trembled with fear She gave a sigh as she turned her back on me The pain I can see Was impossible to erase As I said my phrase I leaned my back on the chair Life is so UNFAIR I knew my mother was tense As she leaned on the fence. I cared less for myself but my mother Cause we love 1 and another My heart drowned And my mother frowned I really wanted to go back but there was no turning back.
There I was on the train Leaving my mum in such a pain. Sitting down in the seat, It felt like I couldn’t move my feet. The train set off, I heard a cough. There were no familiar faces, I wish I could have followed my traces. Sadness went through my chest, Tears went out but I tried my best. As I arrived, I looked terrified. As if I would soon meet my demise.
As I walked up to the train I stopped and I gazed 10,000 children on the bus I was amazed I looked very closely They all looked sad In my point of view I’m not very glad It took a long time But I finally made it It was such a boring time I’d better not save it It was Hitler’s fault I shouldn’t be near I have to carry on A new life is here My new home is England I never felt alone This is life And this is home
Dear diary, On Wednesday 8th June year 5 went on a trip to the national holocaust centre, to gather up information for their exhibition that they are doing with the leads university. When they were there they were taught about Leo’s life and they went around parts of where he lived. Their favourite part was at the end of the day when they met a survivor that told them about their childhood in Germany. They really hope that they can go back and learn more about Leo. Their saddest part was when heard about what torcher the Jews were having. But after all they loved it and they are happy the are working with the holocaust centre.
On the 8th June 2016 Year 5 went on a trip to the holocaust centre. This was their second time going so they can learn further information about Leo (a boy who lives in Germany) and his life. At the trip to the holocaust centre they did their first activity. They had a look at Leo’s home, school and street. They discovered how he felt during his life and trust me, it wasn’t a good one. After that, they viewed some videos about the Adolph Hitler. Hitler owned a mean group that ruled Germany. Hitler was the one who ruined Leo’s life. Leo had to be evacuated to England which was very sad but now he likes it here. After we interviewed a survivor from Germany. We asked her a range of questions and she gave us a range of answers. Next we went back to school knowing a lot of facts.
There was a time, When I was alone. Nowhere to hide, No place to call home. Then I stop and stare for a minute or so, Turning back on the things I love most. My face turned pale, My skin wrinkled up. The train seats were stiff, Like the top of a cliff. I can’t believe I’ve left something so big, There’s nothing I want more to be back home again. Nowhere to hide, No place to call home…
Dear Diary, On the 8th of June we went to the holocaust Center to learn about Adolf Hitler The day began when we arrived at the Holocaust Center. We had met a lady who was going to show us around throughout our visit We had entered a room which was covered in darkness. There was a big screen where we learnt about a young child named Leo, he was a Jewish child. His name is Leo and because of Adolf Hitler his family suffered and did not survive. But for his parents survival was not the problem it was to save their children. After that we had lunch. We met a survivor from the holocaust. Her name is Susie. I asked her a question in fact we all did. Mine was “The kinder transport went to Netherlands why not stay in Netherlands instead of England.”
Dear diary, On the 8th of June 2016.We went on a trip to the holocaust centre. We then went to a room where we put our lunch. We then went outside through the garden and on the way we saw a statue of a girl leaving on the kinder transport. We arrived in a dark room and there was a big screen and on that screen we met a boy at the age of 10 named Leo. He had an ordinary life with two parents and a young sister named Hannah who was 2. We then went into his living room where we watched another clip about him. After we went into his classroom and watched another clip. We were squashed next to his father’s shop. We went into his shop it was trashed because the night of broken glass.
On the 8th of June we visited the Holocaust Center. We visited Leo’s living room. Leo is a 10 year old boy that got bullied by the Nazis. Leo’s living room was where he ate dinner while listening to the radio. We went to the Holocaust Center to find out more about the Holocaust. After that we went into the garden. In the garden we saw the statue of Anne Frank. We also saw some fish and a lot of roses that people put up in memory of many that died in the Holocaust. The Holocaust Center is in Newark. This is the only one in England. In fact in the UK. We really enjoyed the trip and we would like to visit again.The trip was really inspirational.
My mum was the There I was on the train, Away from the rain, I feel so sad, A tear fell down my cheek, We got off and stop, We got on a boat and set off again, Sadness fell upon my heart, I want to go back, best to me, And my dad and sister, I want to go back, But I can’t, My mum sent me to survive, I’ve ate this food and it tastes nothing like far back to home, Although it is nice,
Leo stein Leo is my name, England is where I came, London is the city that I had arrived, New parents were what I was to find, As soon as I was there, I realised that it was unfair, My life is full of terror, Because of Adolf Hitler, Adolf Hitler was my revenge, But there was no one to help avenge, The Nazi’s were big and scary, And some were scared of the chancellor,
My name is Leo Stein I live with my mother father and sister, I said goodbye, Before I started to cry, There I was sat on the train, It felt like poison , Inside my brain, I could feel the pain, In my vein
Dear Diary, On Tuesday 8th June I and my class went on a trip to the National Holocaust Centre. The first thing we did was put are coats and bags in a room so we don’t have to stay holding them wherever we go. We met a woman that reminded us of the story of The Journey and said what the activities we had to do are. Then we went to watch a video about The Journeys around the world. Now my favourite part of the day had started. The teacher put us in different groups of five. In my group I had Kadie, Sara, Ayesha and Layla.
Dear Diary, On Tuesday 8th June I and my class went on a trip to the National Holocaust Centre. The first thing we did was put are coats and bags in a room so we don’t have to stay holding them wherever we go. We met a woman that reminded us of the story of The Journey and said what the activities we had to do are. Then we went to watch a video about The Journeys around the world. Now my favourite part of the day had started. The teacher put us in different groups of five. In my group I had Kadie, Sara, Ayesha and Layla.
Dear Diary, The day started when we got off the coach and arrived at the Holocaust Centre. We went to the Holocaust Centre to investigate more about Leo’s and other survivor’s lives. Firstly, we walked past the path filled with flowers, which were gleaming in the sunlight. We then met our tour guide.
Dear Diary, A few weeks ago, Year 5 went to the Holocaust Centre. We went there to investigate a little further about Leo’s (and some other Jews) lifestyle in the Holocaust. When we arrived (by coach obviously) we were greeted with one unfamiliar adult : Hannah. All of us (maybe not all) were excited about the new features implemented to the Holocaust Centre that we can adventure through as a team.
Dear diary, I am writing to you because year 5 has visited the Holocaust centre. I loved the Holocaust centre and all the class loved it. The first room we went to was Leo’s living roam. Leo’s living room was spotless and the next room we went to was the classroom. Leo was in this class teacher was cruel to Leo because he was Jewish but he was a polite boy. When he went home he was really upset so his mum made him some soap with bread. Leo loves his mum’s soap because she puts loads of salt on it. The next day at school the teacher gave Leo an D because the teacher hates Jewish people and Leo is Jewish. Because Leo got a D he ran back home and told his mum that the teacher was being rude to him. So Leo’s mum rang the school saying why are you being rude to my son? This better stop or I’ll be rude to you and see how it feels.
HOME Running away, From my home, Which is getting darker by the moment, The huge trains, Carrying us away from war. The clouds darkened by the minute, Thunderstorms awoke. They shook the ground in terror, However they stopped and slept in the rising clouds, Then we arrived at our new home.
The Journey There I was standing and staring at the sky As I heard someone shouting goodbye, It was mum and dad, I felt a feeling that I never had. I tried to smile but they looked so sad. They told me this might be the last time we’ll meet each other, But I’ll always remember them forever. My mum hugged me as she gave me my bag, I told her that I don’t want to leave as I started to nag. I don’t want to go away, I just really want to stay. I got on the train, And I felt my pain. I took one last wave, As I felt like I was going to a dark cave. I never wanted to leave my home, And I never wanted to be alone.
THE JOURNEY There I was in the train, Far away from the rain, I’m looking out my window pane, Then I realised my face was stained I’m now far away from my home, I felt like my heart has turned to stone, On the train I was unknown, Then I gave a silent moan. I felt like a trapped cocoon, As I glance up to the moon, I hope that very soon, It would be close to afternoon. I stepped off the train to the ground, Then I went to look around, It was unusual there wasn’t a sound, I really wanted to scream aloud. Now I’m here in England forever free, I can now truly see, Everything I wanted to be Right in front of me.
We made a banner full of negative behaviours and positive behaviours. For the negative behaviours we wrote the words in a stone to represent the stones at the Holocaust Centre, which were there to remember those who died in the Holocaust. For the positive behaviours we wrote the words in a rose to represent the roses at the Holocaust Centre which, were there to give us good memories about the people who died in the Holocaust. We've also decorated the positive ones with bright colours and the negative ones in dark colours.
It was the best day ever! Me and my class went back to the Holocaust centre on the 8th June 2016.At the Holocaust Centre we saw Paul and Rosie. We went to the Holocaust Centre because we wanted to find out more about the survivers life and we wanted to meet them. At the Holocaust Centre we did some different activities in different rooms before we did the activities, we got split into different groups. In my group there was Pharrell, Immanuel, Zakariya and Sam E. When we finished getting into our groups we began our first activity. Our first activity was we got different card with different rights. One of us had to be the leader for each room, I was the leader for the last room. When we finished our first activity, we went into the garden and saw some flowers with memories beside them. We looked at them and went back to our room to have lunch. When we finished our lunch, we went down the stairs. We saw a survivor, who’s called Suzie, she told us about her life. When she had finished we started to ask questions. The questions were very interesting and amazing. I wish I could find out more things about Suzie. I have enjoyed the Holocaust Centre.
On Wednesday 8th June 2016 Y5 went to the Holocaust Centre. When we arrived we went into a room and took our coats and bags off. Then we saw Paul and Rosie who work at the university of leeds. After that we went into a different room where we watched a few videos about the journey. Then we went up in the lift and turned up in Leo’s living room. After we had a good look around Leo’s living room, we went into Leo’s class room where we watched more videos. Then we asked Suzie some questions about life in the Holocaust.
On Wednesday 8th June 2016 Y5 had the opportunity to visit the Holocaust Centre once more. We went into a room where we watched 2 videos. After that we went up the elevator in our groups. We all had a look around and when we saw everything in Leo’s living room\dining room we sat on the carpet. As a group we got given 5 cards to leave in each room. We all found it amazing but we all were starving however we didn’t moan. After looking at Leo’s things we went into the lunch room to have lunch, it was packed in there. After lunch we went into this room where we were asking questions to a woman called Suzie Bechoffer. She told us about her life and how her dad Otto and her mum Rosa got together. They had 2 daughters called Suzie and Lotty.
I just went on the best trip ever! I went to the Holocaust Centre. Me and my class went on the 8th June 2016.We went through Leo’s story again just to fully grasp how bad the Holocaust was. I really enjoyed getting to see the artefacts that we didn’t get to see last time we came. I learnt a lot off valuable lessons while I was at the Holocaust Centre. Hannah, who took us around the Holocaust Centre, told us different stories about different people. In my opinion the best bit was when we met Suzie Bechoffer. She was a surviver of the Holocaust. Suzie told us her story about when she had to go in an orphanage because her mum could not care for her. After that, we got around 20 minutes to ask Suzie questions. They were really good questions and there were some very interesting answers. I would really love to learn more about Suzie over the coming weeks. Hopefully I will be able to visit the Holocaust Centre soon
When he started to pack up his things His mother came in “Do you want me to take you to the kinder transport” “Yes mom” Before he went on the train, He went to his mother He hugged her and set off All the way to London He met strangers, when he went on the train He didn’t know anyone, as he stepped on He sat down looking at his bag He remembered everything that his mom gave him A tear went down his cheek When he looked at the pictures He kept on crying While everyone was staring at him. As he travelled to London He knew that he couldn’t stop crying But when he looked at the pictures, He stopped crying.
There I was far away Away from my mum Crying in pain As the train moved slowly I waved goodbye To my mummy Now you will never forget me as I will always be in your memories.
There I was staring for a moment In the blink of my eye I saw my parents. On the way to London All the children were playing As I sat there crying in pain. There I was Once again Trying to stop my tears pouring Out again
As he stared at the other children, Strangers they were to him He turned his back on the train He looked very slim. Leo stood on the train His mother cried aloud As everyone started to stare He said goodbye for now The train took off He gave one last wave And then he knew that, It was a moment to save. A tear rushed down his cheek, Sadness went through his veins, He didn’t want to leave his mother It left him in incredible pain. He couldn’t be happy He looked very grim This decision he had made It felt like a sin. He thought they were close, It had been a long while, Ever since he saw, His mum’s beautiful smile He wished for life to be fair He wanted to go back in time As different emotions Flowed through his mind He’d been made to feel As if he’d committed a crime.
Another installment of our poetry... Once Once I had dreams, Now I have no hope. Once I was a human being, Now I'm a dying punchbag. Once I lived for the day, Now I think will the pain end? Once I ran in empty fields, Now I'm caged like in a zoo. Once my mother loved me, Now I watch her ashes fade. Once... - Kia Our Dreams Were Ours Once we lived a happy life doing things we loved. Now we are trapped in a world without diversity. We used to be loved, Now we are empty souls. Before they came we lived in peace, After they left we had no hope. I used to have everything, All I have now is nothing. Our dreams were crushed. - Mustafa Taken Once we had our freedom, we flew around with our wings open. Now our wings are closed, we are caged animals. We used to be comfortable, now we are squashed. Before they came we were free, After they left there were none left, no, nothing, We were taken, our rights were taken, our freedom was taken. All I have now is, well, nothing. - Anhaar Once we had a future, Now we see only death. We used to have families, Now we are alone. Before they came we were free like the air around us, After they left we were found as living skeletons. I used to have lots of food and water, All I have now is some bread and water. Before I was a slave. Now I am history. - Abubakar We were discriminated We felt isolated I was a nobody That was what I was told Once we were loved Now we are hated All I have is nothing - Sumeya Once we lived like normal people, Now we are trapped in a cage. We used to have human rights. When we lived in Berlin we were loved, But a few months the Nazis came into power. They took us into a camp. It said a holiday camp. Some people fell for it but I didn't. I wonder how it could be a holiday camp when I saw people starving to death. When I saw a photo of Hitler I could smell death ahead. - Musa
As well as working with professional musicians from Manchester Camerata, we we also very lucky to work with Dave, a professional artist. He helped us to create sketches and sculptures based on the work of Henry Moore. Our art shows the experiences of people who had to move away from home because of war.
Some of us did some research about the history of the camps and why they were created. We have created a movie to share some of what we learned.
Here is some more of our poetry: Once we were normal, we had a normal life. Now we are trapped like a lion with no roar. We used to be human beings, But now we are broken glass on the floor, ashes scattered around the fire. Before they came we had things we loved, After they left we had nothing but ourselves. I used to have a warm house, All I have now is nothing; no one to kiss me goodnight. - Reeyana Life of Death Once we were normal and had a family, Now we are treated as nothing. We used to be something as humans. Before they came we were loved and treated fairly, After they left we will not forget what happened. I used to have a life I thought would last a long time, All I have now is hope and a soul that will be saved. I was so happy, was I too happy? - Zara Once we had hopes, we enjoyed. We lived as normal people and we had everything that we wanted. Now we have nothing left and we are trapped like caged animals. Before they came we were free and happy. When they left they destroyed everything that we love. - Shahid Once we lived as innocent people, Now we are no-one. We used to be living humans, Now we are pieces of meat. Before they came we were as free as the wind, After they left we were stuck in the eye of the Sun. I used to have family that loved me, Now I am surrounded by a skeleton army. - Daniel Today, I was covered in love. Then, I was buried in sorrow. Now, I have a death wish. Then, I didn't worry about tomorrow. Here, I'm lost. Before, I was always found. Now, pain and rain. Then I was sane, an no one to blame. History can't be changed, all I see through myself is a tunnel of disdain. No point in living life; it will never be the same. - Azaiha
We wrote some poetry as our way of remembering the events of the Holocaust. We used some existing poetry as inspiration to write our own. In particular we read: "Holocaust" by Barbara Sonek, "Remembrance" by Tawnysha Lynch, "First They Came" by Pastor Martin Niemoller, "Yellow Butterfly" by Pavel Friedman. Here is some of our work: Once I was a human being, Now I am rubbish to them. We used to be happy, Now we are miserable. Before they came we were normal people, After they left we were hostages of horror. I used to have a family, All I have now is nothing. - Mariam J. The Terrifying Holocaust Once we were happy children, Now we are sad souls. We used to be free birds, Now we are beaten people. Before they came we had a smile, Before they came we had a life, After they left we had a frown, After they left we had no future. I used to have a loving family, All I have now is a broken heart. - Siham Once we lived as normal people, Now we are trapped in a cage like working skeletons. We used to be happy people, Now we are beaten animals. Before they came I had my clothes to be worn, After they left I only had one. I used to have a warm comfy bed, Now all I have is a sheet on the floor. - Mohamed C. The Unknown Darkness, shadows, an engine growls, Smoke, then silence... Clothes are rugged, disease has spread, The sight of bones, I'd rather be dead. Buried in snow, coughs and sneezes, Weeping widows, beings stripped of dignity. In the veins foreboding flows, a story only Auschwitz knows. -Azaiha Once we were like normal people, Now we are like prisoners. We used to be like normal people, Now we are like criminals. Before they came we were free like butterflies, After they left our wings were ripped. I used to have a nice bed, But now all I have is straw. - Baye
This is an opera made by year 6 called The Horrors of War. This is a play about the holocaust and how people survived it. Manchester camarata helped us make this opera . First we started making an list about what we would miss if we had to leave the country and then we continued by making a song. The boys made a stick song and the girls made a sock song. This song was important for our play because we learned that we don't have everything we can make things up using our imagination. We wrote letters about our lives. The kids on the kinder transport wrote a letter about their lives. We read our letters out during the play. We learnt the actions for the song and we practised until we learnt it of by heart. Then we had to do this for another three songs. The hardest song was the last song because we had to sing in groups at different times. That was confusing. We enjoyed the third song the most, which was about our letters and how we should always have hope. We really enjoyed performing this in front of the rest of the school and our parents/careers. Here are the lyrics we made up for one of the songs in the play: This is a stick, only a stick, but this is my stick This stick helps my imagination run free I use it as my racing car, under the bridge and over the star Faster than light I use it as my rocket ship over the moon and on a long trip Faster than night This is a sock, only a sock, but this is my sock This sock helps my imagination run free I use it as my special doll, dressing her up and brushing her hair Holding her tight
On Thursday 16th June 2016 Webster Primary School went to the Imperial War Museum to get a better understanding of the Horrors of World War Two and the Holocaust. Year 6 and our class teachers attended. We were fortunate to meet a veteran named David Teacher, who fought in the D-day landings. He was very brave and France gave him the Legion d'Honneur, which is a little bit like being knighted. Some of us were very lucky and got to have a photo with David. We visited an exhibition about rationing and clothing in World War 2 called "Fashion on the Ration". We saw the fabrics that were rationed such as silk and leather. There were some beautiful clothes, and in some peoples' opinions they were better than modern clothing. We watched a film about the experiences of some people during the Holocaust. It was an extremely serious and traumatising experience for so many people. Later on we visited a room and sat in our groups to investigate the stories of two people who lived during the war. There were lots of photographs, objects and artefacts for us to investigate and learn about them. Some people also got to dress up in real clothes as the people. Altogether it was an excellent trip and we learned a lot about World War 2 and how lucky we are. - Amarah, Kia, Lina & Amarah
Webster Primary pupils also visited the Imperial War Museum, where they met D-day veteran David Teacher, and the Stockport Air Raid Shelters.
On Monday 13th June, Year 6 visited the Stockport Air Raid Shelters, which are six miles south of Manchester city centre. We had been learning about children in Europe who had been forced to leave their home because of World War Two, and we were going to experience what life was like for evacuated children in England. The Air Raid Shelters are a system of almost 1 mile of underground air-raid shelters dug under Stockport. When we arrived we pretended to be evacuees who had arrived in Stockport from Manchester to get away from the Blitz. We were met by a nurse and an air-raid warden, who split us into two groups so they could guide us through the tunnels. The nurse took us to the kitchen where there was a big tank to store water; there were no taps or running water. After my group went to the toilets, where we found out they used newspapers a toilet tissue and had a sponge on a stick to clean up afterwards. One of the best parts of the day was the blackout. There was no light and we counted to fifteen with our eyes close and then opened them. I could not even see my hands in front of my face! This was very scary, especially if there was an air-raid happening. We also practiced what to do is there was a gas attack by the Germans. You had to wear a gas mask which was strapped very tightly onto our heads. It was smelly and uncomfortable. I feel grateful because I was not born during that time. I f was I would be little and confused because I don't understand. - Reeyana, Siham, Zara, Sara & Saffron.
After learning about many of the terrible events of the Holocaust, we began to wonder why they had happened. We wanted to know why the Nazis had committed such atrocities, and why so many people had chosen to support them. The Nazis used propaganda to try to convince people to follow them. We decided to investigate some Nazi posters to see what techniques they used to influence Germans to be pro-Nazi and anti-Semitic. We read books like "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" and "Rose Blanche" when we learned that there were some good people in Nazi Germany. So how did the Nazis get people to do such horrible things?
The two classes considered key ideas, such as propaganda, scapegoating, identity and social values.