Bourne Abbey Church of England Primary Academy
Striving For Excellence, Caring For All In a Loving And Caring Christian Environment.
A Journey Back in Time: Year 6’s Immersive Visit to Beaumanor Hall
As our excited Year 6 cohort stepped off the coach and approached the grand façade of Beaumanor Hall, their faces were alight with curiosity and anticipation as to what was in store for their day. This wasn’t just any school visit—it was a chance to step back into the 1940s and experience first-hand the struggles, resilience, and ingenuity of those who lived during World War II. As the day unfolded, it became clear that the children were about to embark on a learning adventure that would stay with them for years to come.
Cracking Morse Code: A Hidden History Unveiled
Our day centred around three main activiti
es , one being a fascinating introduction to Beaumanor Hall’s critical role in the war effort. Once shrouded in secrecy, the Hall served as a vital hub for intercepting and decoding enemy communications. The children were wide-eyed as they learned how experts used Morse code to crack messages that shaped the course of history through listening to them on the airwaves and then running through the back of the building to the team of ‘decoders’ where they would be investigated.
Under the guidance of the knowledgeable instructor, the children were transformed into codebreakers! They eagerly deciphered messages, determining whether the information was ‘urgent’ or less critical- ‘secondary’. The sense of accomplishment on their faces as they cracked the codes was palpable! This hands-on activity not only deepened their understanding of wartime intelligence but also highlighted the importance of teamwork, patience, and problem-solving.
Stepping into the Shoes of Evacuees
Another activity of the day transported the children into the shoes of evacuees. With their carefully packed belongings in tow, they “arrived” at Beaumanor Hall, unsure of what awaited them. The session vividly brought to life the challenges faced by children who were evacuated from cities to the countryside for safety.
Identity cards were issued, ration books explained, and the children learned about the critical roles young evacuees often played in the war effort. They were introduced to the kinds of jobs they might have taken on, from helping on farms to learning new skills to support their host families. The children were given shopping lists and had the opportunity to ‘buy’ rationed items from their lists from the shop using shilling and pence. It was a humbling experience for many, as they began to grasp the sacrifices and responsibilities thrust upon children their age during the war.
Surviving an Air Raid
As part of our round robin of activities, the children were ushered into the dimly lit cellars of Beaumanor Hall. Here, they experienced the chilling horror and reality of an air raid. The sound of bombs dropping and distant explosions echoed through the darkness, creating an atmosphere that was both haunting and thought-provoking.
Huddled together, the children imagined what it must have been like to endure such terrifying moments. They explored the importance of shelters, from the sturdy Anderson shelters to the smaller Morrison shelters used in homes. Gas masks were also discussed and shown for people of all ages during this time.
The session sparked powerful conversations about bravery, resilience, and the mental toll of war. As they emerged from the cellar into the daylight, the children seemed to carry a deeper respect for the hardships endured by those before them.
At the end of the day, the children were assigned to “families” by three stern but kind billeting officers. The experience of being placed with a host family, uncertain of what lay ahead, was both exciting and sobering for the children. It offered a glimpse into the emotional upheaval faced by evacuees and the kindness of strangers who opened their homes.
Today, Bourne Abbey children have walked in the footsteps of evacuees, codebreakers, and wartime survivors, leaving them with a profound appreciation for the resilience and resourcefulness of the World War II generation. This visit wasn’t just a history lesson; it was a journey into the heart of a pivotal time in history.
Check out more posts by Bourne Abbey Church of England Primary Academy:
Wake Up Wednesday: Mental Health and Wellbeing
Year 6 Whitby Residential: Fossils, Fun, and a Feast of Chips!
