On Friday 6h May, pupils from Northbourne Park School were treated to an inspiring day of historical workshops centred on the pivotal events of the summer of 1940 – the Battle of Britain.
Mr Trevor Woodgate, an aircraft restorer, spoke to the school about the origins of his passion for aeroplanes and Spitfires in particular. He brought with him the remains of a Spitfire shot down in October 1940, witnessed by his father who was just 8 years old at the time! The children enjoyed asking questions and handling the artefacts.
For the rest of the day, the children were involved in other workshops delivered by a team of a local RAF actors who demonstrated various aspects of the Battle of Britain. Led by Mr John Allen, the dedicated members kept the pupils thoroughly engaged in the ‘Operations Room’ as they plotted positions of aircraft and directed the station’s pilots to action. They were fascinated with the concept of a manual key typewriter as well as the Bakelite telephones!
With the use of a full-sized replica Spitfire, the RAF re-enactors recounted stories from the Battle of Britain and the development of aviation during the war.
Christie Riley, Head of History said: “This was an incredible learning experience for all the pupils and one that may even result in some of them taking this career path in the future. What better way to bring History to life.”