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Second World War: Protect the Port KS2

Woman dressed in WW2 ATS Uniform stands with a gas rattle in the air. At her feet are crouched school children wearing tin hats and cupping their hands over their mouth

Step into 1941 and join the fight to protect the port. 

Portsmouth is under threat from the Luftwaffe and Fort Nelson has a vital role to play in the war effort. In this immersive workshop, pupils become wartime recruits and train with three home front services: the Home Guard, ATS and ARP. Across the day they’ll take part in hands-on challenges, test their teamwork and decide where they could best ‘do their bit’ for the war effort. 

Fort Nelson

Study Day

KS2

10am to 2pm

£5 per pupil

Why book?

This workshop gives pupils an active, memorable way to explore the Second World War in a real historic setting with strong links to Portsmouth’s wartime story. 

  • Supports a local history study, helping pupils understand why Portsmouth, the dockyard and Fort Nelson mattered during the war. 
  • Gives pupils active roles as wartime recruits. 
  • Builds teamwork and communication through squad challenges, practical tasks and decision-making. 
  • Develops historical understanding through doing, including ARP (Air Raid Precautions), ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service) and Home Guard. 
  • Creates strong classroom follow-up opportunities for pupils with plenty to discuss, recall and reflect on after their visit. 

Curriculum Focus

Designed for Key Stage 2 History, this workshop supports the teaching of: 

  • A local history study linked to a significant site beyond 1066, using Fort Nelson and Portsmouth’s wartime role as the focus.
  • A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066 (Second World War).
  • Understanding the contribution of volunteers and wartime services, including the important role played by women.

What to expect

Your visit will include three 45-minute workshops delivered by in-character facilitators. The day will run 10am to 2pm, with lunchtime included. 

Defend! Defend! Defend!

Pupils join the Home Guard and discover how local volunteers prepared to defend Britain from invasion. They will take part in foot and rifle drill as well as grenade training, learning why discipline, teamwork and quick thinking mattered. 

Look to the skies

Join the ATS and explore how Britain defended the skies. They investigate searchlights, anti-aircraft guns and wartime adaptions before testing their aircraft recognition skills. Working in squads, pupils must decide quickly: friend or foe? 

Be prepared! 

Pupils step into the role of ARP wardens and learn how civilians faced the challenges of air raids. They practice gas mask drills, respond to a mock air raid, tackle incendiary bombs and care for casualties. 

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 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: education.fn@armouries.org.uk

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