Teaching at Bristnall Hall Academy in 2018

I taught a number of lessons on Gallipoli at Bristnall Hall Academy, Oldbury, West Midlands, using materials adapted from the GA website but with a focus on the 9th Battalion of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. The lessons went very well and the behaviour of the students was excellent. They were very interested in the Gallipoli campaign. 180 pupils were involved and all took material home to engage with their parents. At the end, students were asked why we should remember Gallipoli. Here are some of their responses:

“Many, many soldiers died in battle there, yet they are often forgotten about because not many people know much about the campaign.” (Kate)

“It is important to honour the soldiers who fought in the campaign and to show that even if it was a hundred years ago we wouldn’t be where we are today without it happening.” (Keely)

“It shows that Britain and her Allies were not unbeatable but only human.” (Adam)

“Many men died so our lives can be as carefree and safe as they are today. Remembering them is a way of honouring them and thanking them for their heroic services.” (Harvey)

“It shows how a lack of planning and good strategy can change a war.” (Arjan)

Year 9 students studying the medals of a soldier killed in Gallipoli.

The Warwickshire Project

This was a follow on from the Gallipoli Day in Warwick in 2019, involving the Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum and the Fusiliers Museum. I produced teaching material based on original documents and photographs provided by the Curator (a Gallipoli enthusiast). The students had to engage in historical detective work and make conclusions about the evidence I provided. The attitude of the students was excellent. Six volunteers were later involved in a Skype meeting with the Curator, which involved a virtual tour of the Museum. The six have also produced an audio clip.

Bristnall Hall students working on their script.