To commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, pupils at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Primary School in Billingham were transported back to 1945 for a day of immersive learning and celebration.
The school hosted a special World War II-themed day, giving children a hands-on insight into what life was like in England at the end of the war. The day was filled with activities that brought history to life in meaningful and engaging ways, helping pupils understand the significance of this historic moment.
A key highlight of the day was a visit from local British Legion veteran, Joe, who shared his personal reflections and spoke to the children about the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by generations past. “It’s vital we continue to honour these moments in history,” Joe told the children. “You are the ones who will carry these stories forward.”
Children also took part in a VE Day parade, proudly displaying handmade decorations and flags as they marched through the school grounds. Classrooms echoed with the sound of wartime songs, as pupils learned and performed popular music from the era, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. No VE Day event would be complete without food, and the children enjoyed a picnic inspired by wartime rationing, sampling simple, traditional recipes that gave a flavour of life during the 1940s.