Legasee Educational Trust and Wildern School, Hedge End have recently been on a rewarding journey together, blending education, history, and personal development. Over the course of four engaging workshops, ten Year 10 students, supported by their history teacher Michael Morrison, delved into the rich field of oral history, the nuances of curation, and the significant yet often overlooked contributions of women in the British Army. This project not only broadened their historical knowledge but also honed essential life skills.
Workshop 1: Introduction to Oral History
The first workshop focused on oral history—its definition, significance, and methodology. Through practical activities, students learned that oral history is a method of gathering and preserving historical information through recorded interviews with individuals who have personal knowledge of past events. Oral history captures first-hand accounts that might not be documented elsewhere, providing a more comprehensive and personal perspective of history.
Workshop 2: The Art of Curation
Led by the curator of the Adjutant General’s Corps (AGC) Museum in Winchester, the second workshop introduced students to the art of curation. They learned how to select, organise, and interpret historical artefacts and information to tell compelling stories. Students had to determine which pieces of information were most relevant and how to present them effectively, developing both critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Workshop 3: Researching the WRAC and Conducting Interviews
In preparation for the third workshop, students explored the history of the Women’s Royal Army Corps (WRAC) and researched the biography of Lt Col (Ret) Sue Westlake MBE, a distinguished member of the WRAC Association. Students applied their newly acquired skills to question Colonel Sue and gather her first-hand accounts of life in the WRAC, including her role in the Cold War, and having a near miss with an IRA bomb.
Film edited by Sam Bennett, one of Legasee’s fabulous volunteers
Workshop 4: Communicating Findings
The final workshop focused on how the students would communicate their findings. They discussed various methods of presenting their research, from written reports to multimedia presentations. This session emphasised the importance of clear and effective communication, ensuring that the students could share their insights with a broader audience.
Key Takeaways
The project had several key outcomes that extended beyond historical knowledge:
- Curiosity: Students were encouraged to be curious about history in a new way. They also developed their research and questioning skills, essential for both academic and personal growth.
- Personal confidence: Conducting the oral history interview and presenting what they found out boosted students’ self-confidence. It gave them a unique, real, and relevant experience to share on college or work applications.
- Critical thinking and decision-making: The process of researching, curating, and communicating required thoughtful decision-making and critical analysis, skills that are highly valuable in any field.
- Insight into military history: The project shed light on an often-overlooked chapter of British military history, highlighting the significant role of women in the British Army. This not only enriched the students’ understanding but also instilled a sense of appreciation for the contributions of women in history.
- Encouragement for future projects: Inspired by their experience, Wildern School is now looking to pursue other oral history opportunities within their community, fostering a deeper connection with local history.
Legasee’s partnership with Wildern School has been a fruitful endeavour, fostering educational growth and personal development among the students. By exploring oral history, learning the art of curation, and researching the WRAC, the students have gained valuable skills and insights that will serve them well in their academic and personal lives. This project stands as a testament to the power of collaborative learning and the importance of preserving historical narratives.
Our thanks go to the staff and students at Wildern School, Bianca Taubert from the AGC Museum, the Women’s Royal Army Corps Association, and Lt Col (Ret) Sue Westlake MBE for their fantastic contribution to this project.
To find out more about Legasee’s other work with schools and to access the veteran archive, visit www.legasee.org.uk
Author: Martin Bisiker
Bio: Martin Bisiker is a former TV Producer who set up the educational charity, the Legasee Educational Trust in 2011. Legasee’s mission is to preserve and provide free access to video interviews with military veterans, covering conflicts from World War II to the present. The library, which holds over 700 personal accounts, is a resource for researchers, students, and the public, offering personal insights into modern military history.