UK Parliament’s curriculum-linked videos for VE Day anniversary

Pupils can learn about Parliament’s role in the Second World War and find out about some of the laws passed during the conflict such as the rationing of food and the evacuation of children from cities when the bombs began to fall. 

There are two videos available to view for free which have been developed in partnership with the Royal Holloway, University of London. 

Friday 8th May marks the 75th anniversary of VE Day and many attractions were planning special events and exhibitions to commemorate the date. Instead, there are a number of digital experiences available over the Bank Holiday weekend and beyond. 

Primary: 

• Viewers will discover that Parliament was bombed during the Blitz and that the House of Commons Chamber was completely destroyed. 
• They’ll also learn about some of the important laws that were passed after the war to help rebuild Britain, one of which was the National Health Service Act which created the NHS. 
• It links to KS2 History - a study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066. 

Secondary: 

• Students will learn about the laws passed at the start of the war, including conscription into the armed forces.
• They will question Parliament’s ability to scrutinise Churchill’s coalition government and explore specific challenges made by members of Parliament about decisions made.
• They will learn that the House of Commons Chamber was destroyed during the Blitz and the measures in place to ensure that Parliament could continue to function throughout the war.
• Finally, they will be introduced to some of the post-war legislation passed to help Britain rebuild, including the creation of the National Health Service. 
• It has several links to KS3-5 History including: Challenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world (1901- present), War and British Society c.790 to c.2010 and Warfare and British society, c1250–present (London and the Second World War, 1939–45). 

UK Parliament has a number of free teaching resources for teachers and home educators available on its website for a variety of ages including an Introduction to UK Parliament video and a game for pupils to ‘become an MP for a week’.

You can also now sign up to take part in this year’s UK Parliament Week (1st - 7th November) which is an annual festival that engages young people from across the UK with Parliament and explores what it means to them and empowers children to get involved.