Pupils at Tameside Primary Academy participated in a poignant tribute to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice and commemorating the end of six years of conflict that defined the Second World War.
As part of a wider programme of remembrance across the Academy, year 4 pupils visited the cenotaph in Wednesbury, where they paid their respects to fallen servicemen and women. The children carefully examined the engraved names of local heroes, taking a quiet moment to reflect on the immense loss and extraordinary bravery of those who helped shape the course of history.
In the lead up to the visit, pupils had been exploring the significance of VE Day through classroom learning and personal engagement. A particular highlight was a heartfelt exchange of letters with a Second World War veteran, who shared his memories of wartime life and the emotion surrounding VE Day in 1945. This correspondence not only provided pupils with a powerful first-hand insight into the era, but also fostered a meaningful connection to the past, deepening their understanding of the courage and resilience demonstrated by an entire generation.
Cem Yalluri, Associate Principal at Tameside Primary Academy, commented: “VE Day is not just a historic milestone, but a reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by individuals and families during the war. At Tameside, we place great value on teaching our pupils about key moments in history and VE Day provided us with the opportunity to bring this important subject to life.
“The letter exchange with a war veteran was an incredibly meaningful experience for the children. It’s one thing to learn about history from a textbook, but quite another to hear it directly from someone who lived through it. Moments like this are essential in helping children understand the value of remembrance and the importance of learning from the past.”
The Academy’s commitment to engaging pupils with national moments of reflection is part of its broader approach to education, fostering empathy, respect and a deeper connection to the world around them.
