Oldham at war - World War 1 and 2 - Year 6

During the tumultuous periods of World War 1 and World War 2, Oldham, mirroring the experience of many UK towns and cities, faced significant challenges. The war effort required the mobilisation of society on an unprecedented scale, with numerous young and middle-aged men being recruited into the armed forces. Women, too, were conscripted, many working tirelessly in factories producing munitions and other vital war materials. To enrich their understanding of the impact of war on Oldham, pupils are encouraged to read personal reflections from local residents. One such reflection is from a male inhabitant who shares his poignant memories of the war, while another is from a female resident, offering an alternative perspective on the wartime experience in Oldham.

In an interactive classroom setting, pupils are tasked with collaboratively gathering 20 pieces of information about life in Oldham during World War 2. Working in pairs and then sharing their findings with another pair, they aim to build a comprehensive picture of the wartime period. The educational experience is further enhanced by the prospect of inviting Oldham residents who remember the war to speak to the class, allowing pupils to engage directly with living history. Prepared with thoughtful questions, pupils can deepen their knowledge and later reconvene to discuss new insights. As a culminating activity, groups of four are challenged to create a newspaper front page with the headline ‘Oldham at War’, encapsulating the local wartime narrative and its broader impact on Britain and its communities during and after the world wars.