Last week, the school community were excited to commemorate Victory in Europe Day with a special junior assembly and activities. The younger students have learned about the significance of this historic day and have participated in engaging activities to understand its importance. Adding to this immersive experience, students were given the unique opportunity to visit one of the school’s World War Two bunkers in the onsite woods at Talbot Heath. These visits offered a fascinating glimpse into the lives of school girls during the war, helping them to appreciate the impact of the era on daily life and fostering a deeper connection to history. An exhibition of the Year 6’s work for their recent topic, exploring the history of World War Two, was displayed for the younger years to enjoy and learn from.
Senior pupils also had the opportunity to visit the bunker at lunchtime and look through the school’s archive materials. Mrs Baker discussed the experiences of the pupils who used the shelter and their feelings on VE Day. Thanks go to the staff who supported these learning opportunities for the girls.
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Percy John Warman, designed the school’s air raid shelters, and the fully refurbished bunker, next to Library Walk, is now a popular resource, not only for TH pupils, but for visiting schools and the Dorset Heritage weekend. Percy, who was born 1876 and died in 1962, was a member of the Royal Institute of Architects, and lived in Hadley Woods, London, before retiring to Bournemouth, having once visited on holiday. To be able to undertake this work, Percy became a Governor of Talbot Heath school, and not stopping there, he also designed and built a house in Glenferness Avenue.
