Trench Warfare - Research - Year 6

The research topic for Year 6 students delves into the grim realities of trench warfare, a significant aspect of World War 1. Students are encouraged to investigate various facets of life on the front lines, including the causes and prevention of Trench Foot, a painful condition that afflicted many soldiers due to prolonged exposure to damp and unsanitary conditions. Additionally, they are tasked with mapping out the extensive network of trenches that stretched across Europe, which served as both living quarters and battle stations for troops during the war. Understanding the diet of soldiers, often limited and unappetising, is another key area of research, as is exploring the duration of time soldiers spent enduring the hardships within the trenches.

The research extends to specific events such as the Gallipoli campaign, which highlights the strategic challenges and human cost associated with trench warfare. Beyond the immediate effects of the trenches, students are also prompted to consider the broader impact of the world wars on Britain, encompassing social, economic, and political changes. By examining what life was like for soldiers in the trenches during World War 1, students gain a deeper appreciation for the historical significance of these conflicts and the enduring legacy they left on Britain and the world. This comprehensive inquiry into trench warfare aims to provide students with a holistic understanding of the era and the sacrifices made by those who lived through it.