Pupils, staff and the wider Oakfield Primary Academy community came together to commemorate VE Day with an agenda filled with meaningful learning, powerful tributes and memorable experiences.
The day began with pupils treated to an exclusive first look at full-scale replicas of Hurricane and Spitfire planes, which were brough into the school’s playground especially for the occasion. Throughout the day, each year group then had the opportunity to attend an interactive talk, led by the team who carefully built the replica planes – learning about how these aircraft were used during wartime campaigns, bringing this historically significant day to life for the pupils.
Adding to the day’s events was a special visit from Harry Chapman, a 90-year-old representative of the Royal British Legion. Dressed proudly in medals awards to honour his brothers for their service during the war, Mr Chapman greeted pupils, parents and staff as they arrived at the school gates.
Involving the wider community in the commemorative activities, the Academy, which is part of The Golden Thread Alliance, invited the Mayor of Dartford; who judged the school’s VE Day poster competition which saw many creative and thoughtful entries from pupils across all year groups; and guests from a local Kent care home, many of whom were aged over 90 and enjoyed a specially decorated gazebo area, complete with bunting and flags, and traditional cream team.
Pupils entertained the guests with a whole school performance of a VE Day song before joining a singalong led by a vintage entertainer dressed in wartime uniform. The hour-long singalong, included a set of classic 1940s songs which were enjoyed by the entire school’s community and attendees, both young and old.
The day was truly a whole community affair, culminating with parents and carers joining all attendees for more tea and cake, and to have a look at the planes for themselves.
Jill Gosbee, Deputy Headteacher at Oakfield Primary Academy, said:
“We were incredibly proud to host such a meaningful and memorable day in honour of VE Day. The enthusiasm and respect shown by our pupils, coupled with the support from our community and visitors made the day a truly special occasion for everyone involved.
“It’s so important for our children and future generations to understand the history behind these commemorative occasions, and I’m really pleased of how our school community came together to create such a powerful educational experience.”