Who was Winston Churchill and what part did he play in the war? - Teacher notes

Winston Churchill is often hailed as the most iconic British figure of the 20th century. This unit aims to provide students with foundational knowledge about Churchill and encourages them to delve deeper into his life and legacy through additional research. Recognised for his leadership during a time of great adversity, Churchill's role as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II was pivotal. His tenure was marked by his indomitable spirit and his ability to inspire the nation through his powerful oratory. Students are guided to explore Churchill's speeches, particularly focusing on what made his words resonate so strongly with the British people and allies around the world.

As part of the learning process, students are invited to watch educational content from BBC Bitesize and BBC Teach, which includes historical clips and a detailed examination of Churchill's famous speech that paid tribute to the Royal Air Force pilots, known as 'The Few'. The unit also includes a practical exercise where pupils are tasked with crafting and delivering their own speeches on subjects they are passionate about. This activity not only connects them to Churchill's legacy as a communicator but also hones their writing and public speaking skills, with an emphasis on conciseness and clarity, as they are required to edit their speeches down to a maximum of 200 words before presenting them to their classmates. This hands-on approach serves to deepen their understanding of Churchill's impact on Britain during the war and the power of speech in influencing and leading a nation.