09 May 2025
Yesterday, on May 8, 2025, primary academies across Exceed Learning Partnership commemorated the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
The day was marked with a series of reflective and educational activities with staff and pupils dressing up in traditional 1940s attire, honoring the sacrifices of the World War II generation and instilling a sense of history and gratitude among pupils.
Bentley High Street Primary School marked VE Day with a school-wide sing-a-long featuring songs like "We'll Meet Again" and "White Cliffs of Dover". Pupils also created commemorative artwork and viewed wartime artifacts shared by families, providing personal connections to the past. They then shared a special afternoon tea-style lunch, allowing the whole school community to reflect and commemorate the historic occasion together.
The Mallard Academy and Carr Lodge Academy held traditional 1940s street parties, complete with games from the time such as Hopscotch, Marbles and Jacks. At Carr Lodge, there was a pop-up museum for staff and pupils to visit throughout the day alongside entertainment from staff at lunchtime.
At Edlington Victoria Academy, pupils volunteered their time to sing some classic wartime songs at a local care home to mark VE day. They also visited Edlington Cenotaph to pay their respects alongside the wider community. Pupils at Hill Top Academy celebrated VE Day with a school-wide picnic on the field. Pupils enjoyed traditional games like wheelbarrow races and tug of war, fostering teamwork and remembering the historical significance of the day in a fun and engaging way.
Sheep Dip Lane Academy and Sandringham Primary School enjoyed arts, wartime games, songs and a special picnic lunch - with Sheep Dip Lane’s Mr Miller reading the proclamation that was read in 1945 to begin their celebrations. Rosedale Primary School held a whole school sponsored walk raising money for the fantastic local charity 'Help 4 Homeless Veterans'. They are excited to welcome back the charity to present them with the money they have raised in a few weeks time. Pupils at Willow Primary School explored its significance in assembly & class, joined the national 2 minutes of silence, then celebrated with a fantastic street party!
The commemorations across the Exceed Learning Partnership schools served as a poignant reminder of the importance of remembering history and the enduring values of courage and unity. Through these activities, pupils not only paid tribute to the past but also gained insights into the significance of these events in shaping the present and future.