Learning Resources

A classroom enquiry looking at how and why we should remember the Battle of the Somme today. The enquiry encourages students to investigate the the battle and its impact on local communities, the development of military strategy, the contribution of Empire troops, historical interpretations and how and why the battle should be remembered. A resources for those aged 13-15 years old.

This teaching resource encourages young people to explore the extent to which the First World War was a ‘world war’ following an enquiry-based approach. It uses information from the CWGC’s records to examine the personal stories of those who died on a single day in 1916 across the world. Primarily aimed at students aged 11-14, the information could be used by any age group interested in exploring the stories behind those who died during this key period in the First World War.

To commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, this new resource covers JRR Tolkien's experience of the Somme and the effect on his subsequent writing. Specifically designed to be delivered in one lesson and adaptable to any age or stage, but probably most suited to ages 10-14, this offers an exploration of a little known part of Tolkien's life to students who will best know him through his books. Discover a range of History and English activities and lots of extension possibilities.

Discover the incredible work of the CWGC and the stories of those we commemorate. Our education resources enable your students to learn about the history of our sites, explore the scale of the 'World Wars' and the stories of those who came from across the globe to serve.

This teaching pack contains a range of activities and ideas for all ages designed to encourage young people to consider what remembrance means to them and to different communities around the world.

Download our guidance to support young people who would like to conduct a research project as part of their work towards the D of E Skills Section. We have created a series of suggested tasks and activities which will offer support as you complete the section of the Award.

This teaching resource explores a range of stories of women casualties from the Second World War. These stories are set within the wider context of women’s war work, and some of the different auxiliary and military nursing services open to women during this period. Primarily aimed at students aged 10-14, the information could be used with any age group interested in exploring the stories behind women’s roles in the Second World War.

This teaching resource encourages young people to explore the extent to which the Second World War was a ‘world war’ following an enquiry-based approach. It makes use of information from the CWGC’s records to look at the personal stories of those who died on D-Day: 6th June 1944, across the world. Primarily aimed at students aged 10-14, the information could be used by any age group interested in exploring the stories behind this key date in the Second World War. 

This teaching resource encourages young people to explore the story of one of the most iconic CWGC memorials, the Menin Gate in Ieper, Belgium. Using engaging artwork, students create their own narrative of the development of this site and the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. Primarily aimed at students aged 10-14, this engaging activity could be used by any age group interested in exploring the fascinating history of this memorial. 

This resource and the VR which accompanies it has been developed to support History CAPS for the Intermediate and Senior Phases. In particular, Grade 8 CAPS History requirements connected to South Africa and the First World War. Partners in South Africa and Britain have teamed up to create diverse experiences that reflect the interests of diverse audiences: two Virtual Reality films, a heritage app, an exhibition, and an education pack for teachers.

Originally developed as part of UCLs First World War Centenary Battlefield Tours Programme, this updated classroom enquiry enables students to explore how effective medical care was on the Western Front in the First World War.
It also includes guidance as to how to relate each section to the visible evidence of the battlefield sites of the Western Front today, with examples of activities that could be used at CWGC cemeteries or war memorials around Ypres in Belgium.

Aimed at GCSE History students (aged 14-16) but has wider application as an introduction to this topic. 

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has many links to poetry through those war poets who are buried or commemorated at our various cemeteries and memorials around the world. This teaching resource encourages students to explore and compare the experiences of war in a selection of the poetry of the First World War by men and women. Primarily aimed at students aged 11-14 as an introduction to exploring poetry in context.

October is Black History Month across the UK. In cemeteries and memorials across the world, you can discover the stories of those from the Black community who served in both World Wars. This resource is designed to provide you with a selection of ideas as to how schools can incorporate the stories of Black service personnel and their contributions to the war effort into their work around Black History Month.

This booklet is full of fun activities for young explorers, writers, and artists. Get inspired by visiting one of our cemeteries or memorials and discover more about the work that we do, the people we commemorate and to help us ensure that they are always remembered.