World War Two Evacuation Experience for Primary Schools
A joint initiative by the GWSR and the Wilson Museum, Cheltenham
This fully escorted evacuation experience is an opportunity for Key Stage 2 pupils to role-play a day in the life of children being evacuated in September 1940 from their home city to the safety of the countryside.
This will include (subject to availability):
Journey on a steam train
Presentation by museum education staff in role on life in wartime, showing a range of items of the period and including some practical activities
An ‘air raid’
Video of real ex-evacuees describing their own experiences
Training in firefighting using stirrup pumps
Detection and arrest of a suspected German spy
Allocation to their hosts and accommodation and preparation for assisting with farm work
Pupils and staff should ideally come dressed in 1940s style, with a gas mask box, identity label and small suitcase or pillow-case for belongings and with an appropriate wartime morning snack and lunch.
Teachers and support staff will be encouraged to role-play along with their pupils.
Dates: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during school term time in April, May, June, September and October.
Location: Winchcombe railway station (GL54 5LD).
Start time: 09.30.
Finish time: 14.00 approx.
Group size: Normally 20 to 35. Outside that range please ask the School Bookings Coordinator as below.
Availability: Up to 3 groups each day.
Booking: Contact the School Bookings Coordinator or telephone GWSR Enquiries on 01242 621405 and request a call-back from the School Bookings Coordinator.
Cost per pupil: The School Bookings Coordinator will advise. There is no charge for teachers and other required support staff.
“You made it feel like we were being evacuated……
it actually felt like we were in an evacuee’s shoes”