Victory in Europe

Overview

A focused 20-minute history session that immerses Year 6 students (age 10-11) in the significance, celebration, and impact of VE Day. This plan aligns with the National Curriculum for England’s History programme of study for Key Stage 2, emphasising understanding of chronology, cause and consequence, and interpreting historical sources. The lesson practices critical historical enquiry with a creative edge to inspire engagement and remembrance.

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Curriculum Links

National Curriculum - History KS2

• Pupils should be taught to:

  • Understand significant aspects of World War II, including the implications and outcomes.
  • Chronology: Place events from the period studied on a timeline.
  • Historical interpretation: Use and understand primary and secondary sources.
  • Cause and consequence: Understand reasons for and results of World War II events.
  • Historical enquiry: Ask and answer questions, including using a variety of sources.

• Key vocabulary: WWII, VE Day, Axis, Allies, celebration, peace, rationing, primary sources.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

1. Explain what VE Day is and why it was significant in 1945.
2. Describe key events and feelings surrounding VE Day celebrations.
3. Identify and interpret primary sources related to VE Day.
4. Understand the impact of VE Day on British society at the end of WWII.

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Resources Needed

• Replica VE Day newspapers (printed sheets)
• Photo prints of VE Day celebrations and street parties
• Simple timeline cards showing key WWII events leading up to and after VE Day
• Prepared worksheet with guided questions
• Paper and coloured pencils for drawing
• A short BBC archive audio clip (optional; teacher to prepare beforehand)

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (3 minutes)

• Begin by asking, “Have you ever celebrated a very important event or holiday? What was it like?”
• Introduce VE Day as one of Britain’s biggest celebrations marking the end of World War II in Europe on 8 May 1945.
• Show a brief timeline with key WWII moments (1939-1945), placing VE Day clearly.

Differentiation: Use visuals and simple explanation for all learners; ask more able pupils to try to place dates on timeline.

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2. Explore and Interpret (7 minutes)

• Distribute replica VE Day newspapers and photographs.
• In groups of 4, pupils examine these ‘primary sources’ and answer questions:
  • What happened on VE Day?
  • How do the people in the photos feel? Why?
  • What might you find in the newspaper about VE Day?
• Use guided worksheet questions to direct their enquiry.

Teacher tips: Circulate to prompt critical thinking; emphasise emotions and historical context.

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3. Class Discussion (5 minutes)

• Bring class back together and discuss:

  • Why was VE Day so important to people in 1945?
  • How did VE Day celebrations help people after years of hardship?
  • What do these celebrations tell us about life during and after war?

• Introduce the idea that VE Day was about hope, relief, and rebuilding.

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4. Creative Reflection Task (5 minutes)

• Pupils draw their own street party or celebration scene inspired by VE Day photos.
• Encourage using historical detail: bunting, uniforms, flags, rationing posters.
• Ask them to write one sentence explaining why VE Day was a day worth celebrating.

Extension: More confident pupils can write a short diary entry imagining themselves on VE Day.

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Assessment & Review

• Observe group discussions and worksheet answers to check understanding.
• Review pupils’ creative scenes and sentence for historical accuracy and empathy.
• Use questioning to assess comprehension during plenary.
• Optional: Quick verbal quiz - What is VE Day? When was it? Why did people celebrate?

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Inclusion & Differentiation

• Provide sentence starters for writing task where needed.
• Visuals support EAL and SEND students.
• Challenge advanced learners to consider the difference between VE Day and VJ Day.
• Adapt sources complexity based on group ability.

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Impact & Progression

This lesson lays foundations for deeper study of WWII consequences in Key Stage 3 and promotes empathy through historical enquiry. It fosters critical thinking about cause and consequence and the importance of memory in history.

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Enduring Understanding: VE Day was more than a celebration; it was a pivotal moment symbolising hope and peace after years of conflict, influencing Britain’s future social and cultural landscape.