Oldham at war - Info pack

The town of Oldham, similar to many others across the UK, experienced significant changes during World War 2. The conflict saw the recruitment of numerous young and middle-aged men into the military forces, while women were enlisted to work in factories. Many of these women took on roles producing munitions and various materials essential for the war effort. To understand the personal impact of the war on individuals in Oldham, pupils are encouraged to read reflections from local residents. One account is from a male who shares his memories of the wartime period, while another is from a female perspective, offering a different viewpoint on the experiences during the war in Oldham.

In an interactive and collaborative learning activity, pupils are tasked with gathering 20 pieces of information about life in Oldham during the war. Working in pairs and then sharing their findings with another pair, they aim to build a comprehensive picture of the wartime experience. The ideal scenario includes inviting Oldham residents who remember the war to speak to the class, providing a direct oral history account. Students should prepare questions in advance, considering the information they have already obtained. Following interviews, students revisit their original pairs to discuss new insights and enhance their understanding of Oldham's wartime history. To culminate their project, groups of four are challenged to create a newspaper front page with the headline 'Oldham at War', encapsulating the town's experiences during World War 2.