Second World War

An excellent topic to extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066 or for local history, the Second World War was a key turning point in our nation’s history.

We have designed the resources below to help your pupils learn, whether they are in the classroom or at home. They are also a great way to support a visit to either of our sites. Check out our Second World War: Home Front workshop at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, or Second World War: Protect the Port workshop at Fort Nelson.

Some resources were created during lockdown and are specifically designed for those pupils learning at home.

Download the Second World War Learning Resource Teacher Notes KS2 (pdf, 252 KB) for helpful information and tips on how these resources can assist in your lesson planning.

Videos

Sorry, there was a YouTube error.

If you are having trouble viewing the YouTube videos on this page, it is likely because you have rejected those cookies that allow them to work. You can either adjust your cookie settings and accept the “Targeting cookies” or you can view it on YouTube.

Morse code message

Morse Code was in use for nearly 100 years by the time the Second World War was declared. See if your pupils have what it takes to crack the code. Download the Second World War Learning Resource Teacher Notes KS2 (pdf, 207 KB) to get the code cipher and the answer to the code.

Photo bank

All the below images are from our collection and will enhance students visual understanding of the Second World War. Hover over the image to reveal more information, including a link to further information and more images of the object.

You are more than welcome to use the images in your lessons and other non-commercial education. If in doubt, please see our Copyright Policy (pdf, 93 KB) or contact our licencing team.