Students in a classroom asking questions about conflict from a veteran and eyewitness to conflict.
© IWM
Suitability
Age 9 to 11 (KS2), Age 11 to 14 (KS3), Age 14-16 (KS4)
Topics
Contemporary Conflict
Session Type
Off-gallery

Booking Information

Availability
Wednesdays, 10.30am and 12.30pm.
Duration
90 minutes
Capacity
30 students
Price
£165

We Were There is fully booked in London up to December 2024

We still have sessions available at our Duxford branch. Click the link below to find out more.

About this session

This is a unique chance for students to meet veterans and eyewitnesses from the Second World War to today, hearing their personal stories, asking questions and connecting through conversations.

 

We Were There encourages active exploration of the consequences of war, and helps students understand the impact of war and conflict on people’s lives, and the variety of these experiences. Through personal stories, question-based learning and conversation students have a chance to get to know the people who were there, living through conflict. This is a unique and truly unforgettable experience.

 

Please note that due to the unique nature of this session, eyewitness availability may vary, and no specific time period can be guaranteed.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the impact of war on people’s lives and the variety of experiences
  • Develop confidence in questioning and listening skills through collaborative conversations with adults and peers
  • Make connections across different experiences and time frames of individuals’ memories

National Curriculum Links

  • Key Stage 2 English: Spoken Language
  • Key Stage 2 History: a study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066
  • Key Stage 2 Citizenship: Preparing to play an active role as citizens
  • Key Stage 3 English: Use discussion in order to learn
  • Key Stage 3 History: 
    • Know and understand how people’s lives have shaped this nation and how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world;
    • Understand historical concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity, difference and significance, and use them to make connections, draw contrasts, analyse trends, frame historically-valid questions;
    • Understand the methods of historical enquiry, including how evidence is used rigorously to make historical claims, and discern how and why contrasting arguments and interpretations of the past have been constructed

Testimonials

The session helped the pupils to think analytically and not just about history but about diversity, British values and life learning. They are now more aware of what is going on in the world and their place in it.” – Key Stage 2 Teacher

Further resources

Explore our learning resources featuring eyewitness accounts and oral histories.

Graphic for learning resource Health and Wellbeing : Food and Nutrition tile
Classroom Resource

Health and Wellbeing Food and Nutrition: Memories of rationing

This resource looks at the experience of rationing through the personal memories of Graham who was 9 years old when the Second World War started.

HMS Belfast leaving Scapa Flow for the Normandy beaches, June 1944.
IWM (A 25665)
Classroom Resource

HMS Belfast Voices of D-Day

These films are a vivid classroom resource ideal for teaching events of D-Day. Unlocking the personal stories of crew members who witnessed these events first-hand is a powerful starting point for students learning about this period of history. 

Graphic for learning resource - Health and Wellbeing: Coping with Adversity
Classroom Resource

Health and Wellbeing Coping with adversity: Memories of 9/11

Cross-curricular resource reflecting on the emotional impact on ordinary people whose lives have been affected by conflict. Contains video content and suggested activities.

Citizenship
English
History