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Despite studying History at University, students rarely get the opportunity to interact and engage with history itself. Whether this be working with archives, like Paganel School Archives, or places of commemorating historical sacrifices and events such as Lodge Hill Cemetery and the University of Birmingham itself. This project allowed not only the children to engage with the individual war stories and histories but also myself. It also highlighted to me the difficulty in collecting knowledge about the lives and experiences of soldiers during the First World War, due to the limited surviving source material and records.
However, I was also surprised at the information which is available and accessible to the general public and hope this project encourages others to conduct their own research and investigation. Coordinating the project and engaging with the children on such a difficult and horrific topic as the First World War was extremely rewarding. Especially through connecting the project and workshop to Birmingham’s role during the war which, enhanced the children's enthusiasm and engagement with the project and subject matter. The children not only gained a broader and more comprehensive understanding about the First World War, for example the fact that soldiers were from across the commonwealth, they also were able to use this knowledge in their own creative writing pieces such as poems and diary entries. Which solidified the children’s knowledge as well as highlight the importance of commemorating the individuals and recognising each experience and story of the war was unique.
Robyn O'Halloran
Co-Author
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