Year 6 Experience Life in the Trenches

Our Year 6 pupils were transported back to the battlefield trenches as they took part in a fascinating carousel workshop exploring life as a soldier during the First World War.

“It was really cool to see what soldiers used in the trenches,” said Hugo, a sentiment shared by many of his classmates as they delved into the remarkable collection of wartime artefacts loaned to the school by Cornwall’s Regimental Museum in Bodmin.

Among the treasures were a Princess Mary tin, a soldier’s shovel and even a model rat, all key items that helped bring to life the realities of trench warfare. Pupils had the opportunity to try on reproduction uniforms, including hats, jackets and boots, and to discover the less glamorous side of trench life by learning about the constant battle soldiers faced against rats and lice.

They examined soldiers’ identity tags, handled mess tins and ration tins, and explored the many uses of a simple shovel, from digging foxholes to providing vital shelter. Using a copy of Trench Orders, pupils even uncovered the official punishment for drinking too much rum while on duty.

Moving letters from soldiers and their families offered a glimpse into the human side of war, and showed how the Home Front supported loved ones overseas. The class also studied enlistment posters to explore the role of propaganda and conscription, while a sobering death telegram helped pupils understand how tragic news was sent back home.

Mrs Luxton’s favourite artefact was the golden Princess Mary tin, a 1914 Christmas gift containing photographs of King George V and Princess Mary, a Christmas card, a good luck message and a parcel of tobacco and cigarettes.

The workshop forms part of Year 6’s humanities topic on the First World War, which ties closely with their English studies of War Horse by Michael Morpurgo. The experience has given pupils a vivid insight into the lives of those who served and a deep appreciation of the stories behind the history they are learning.