The LKS2 Autumn Expedition explored the guiding question, “How does war change lives?”, with a focus on World War II and its impact on the home front. Students examined key historical themes such as evacuation, rationing, The Blitz, and the changing roles of men, women, and children. Their learning was driven by literature, including The Lion and the Unicorn by Shirley Hughes, which inspired biography writing about evacuees and the roles of women during the war. In art, the children studied Henry Moore, a renowned Yorkshire artist, and used his wartime depictions as inspiration to create powerful wax crayon and watercolour portraits reflecting life during The Blitz. Poetry was also woven into their work, summarising their learning across the expedition.
The culmination of this journey was an art exhibition held at Intake Community Centre, where the children’s final portraits, inspired by Henry Moore’s techniques, were displayed as a tribute to those affected by World War II. This display served as a form of remembrance for local people who lost their lives, connecting the children’s learning to the wider community. Alongside their artwork, students demonstrated a deeper understanding of history through their biography writing, reflecting on how war changed lives and ensuring their work captured the experiences and resilience of those who lived through the war.
