This week very much had a War theme, starting with our Remembrance service at Woodford Park on Wednesday. This was the second time that the whole school had attended the service at the new memorial and once again the children behaved extremely well, showing respect to the proceedings and remaining quiet throughout the period of silence, as we remembered those who had fought and fallen in many wars.
The week also saw the end to our topic ‘Digging for Victory’ which the children thoroughly enjoyed. We finished the topic in style with our very own VE day celebration which we invited people from the Woodley Day Centre to attend. It was such a great event that we are hoping to ‘make it into the local newspaper’.
The school hall was decked out with union jack bunting, streamers and balloons to reflect the occasion, and napkins of red, white and blue decorated the tables.
Eleven OAPs came along with staff from the Day Centre and joined with the children as they sang war time songs and watched Winston Churchill’s end of war speech on a big screen. The children sat with the visitors and listened attentively as they told stories of digging for victory; being evacuated and fighting for our country. It was a very poignant and at times emotional experience for all involved as the older folk remembered and the children heard and saw first-hand the impact that World War 2 had on people’s lives.
Towards the end of the afternoon, everyone was treated to tea and cake, which of course included the classics of scones and jam tarts. Suddenly, one old lady broke out into song, taking with her all 90 children, who sang and experienced the joys of the end of the war. It was a truly magnificent afternoon; one which was a blessing and benefit to old and young alike.
The event was visited by Rachel Minter, the deputy head who said: “This was an exceptional learning experience for our children where they showed a deep respect for our visitors”.
Gordon Davies, the head teacher of Beechwood Primary School, also remarked on the benefits of such an experience for all involved. He said: “For the people who experienced the war, it was a walk down memory lane and for the children it was a unique, active learning experience”.
The visitors had a wonderful time and it is reported that they continued to sing, with smiles on their faces, all the way home. This was an example of the value of bringing generations together. The children of Beechwood showed amazing sensitivity and it was commented by the visitors that they behaved impeccably. The children are now looking forward to a return visit when the choir visit the day centre in December to sing Christmas songs.
Miss Timms
Next week: The start of our new topic – Stars & Stripes