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Explore the Great War KS2

First World War British soldier in battle dress, tin hat and rifle over shoulder

Step into 1915 and explore the First World War through training, teamwork and frontline care. 

In this active and empathetic workshop, pupils meet two vivid wartime characters. They will fall in with Corporal Gibbs before heading to the field hospital to report to the no-nonsense Matron. 

This workshop explores both sides of wartime life, soldier training and hospital care, before allowing pupils to decide how they'd help the war effort. Join us for a First World War experience that is active, empathetic and impossible to forget.

Royal Armouries Museum

Workshop

KS2

90 Minutes

£5 per pupil

Curriculum Focus

This workshop supports KS2 history through a study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066, using the First World War as a powerful case study.

  • History (First World War): pupils explore the First World War through recruitment, soldier training, field hospitals, frontline treatment, medical advances and the different ways people contributed to the war effort
  • Historical enquiry: This workshop gives pupils a memorable way to ask questions about wartime experience, using character-led interpretation, practical activities and discussion to consider what life may have been like for recruits and medical staff in 1915. 
  • Local history: this workshop can support local studies by helping pupils investigate how communities, families, soldiers, nurses and volunteers contributed to the war effort and experienced its impact.
  • English: Literacy. Strong stimulus for follow-up writing in the classroom, such as letters home from the front, diary entries and newspaper reports. 

Workshop Content

This action-packed workshop plunges pupils into the First World War through two vivid characters: Corporal Gibbs and the Matron.

First World War drill

Pupils get the true soldier experience as Corporal Gibbs puts them through their paces in a high-energy military drill that emphasises discipline and team work. Designed to build focus, coordination and confidence, just like the new recruits in 1915.

Mud, blood and bandages

Joining Matron in the field hospital, pupils will have their skills and stomachs put to the test in an interactive medical session that explores frontline treatment, advances in medical practice and the role women played in the conflict.

We guarantee your pupils will remember this experience for many years to come.

Gallery links

Horses with armour and men wearing armour in a museum gallery
The War Gallery

War Gallery

(First World War)

Explore how the history of warfare has changed from the early days of hand-to-hand combat to today’s technology-based warfare, including our new display on the Second World War.

Visit the War Gallery

Book Now

When you email us, please provide the following information:

  • Name and address of school, organisation, or home educated group
  • First, second, and third choice of date
  • Number of pupils and number of adults
  • If you would like to visit the museum shop
  • If you require coach parking
  • Any other additional information you’d like us to know (e.g special education needs)

Find our Education Bookings Terms and Conditions

Email: educate.leeds@armouries.org.uk

Phone: 07785 692443

Due to the high volume of enquiries we receive, please only call us if you have already booked a visit and your enquiry is urgent.

Learning packs and resources

Education Visit Pack 2025-2026 (pdf, 576KB)

Contact our communications team if you require documents in an alternative format.

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