What impact did the wars have on Barking and Dagenham?

Unparalleled in its influence on the people of the UK, no other period in history has left a more significant mark than World War 1 and World War 2. These wars changed the fabric of daily life across numerous towns and cities, and the borough of Barking and Dagenham was certainly no exception.

Through a series of five questions, pupils will learn how Barking and Dagenham was affected. Each question has a PowerPoint presentation of information, plus a series of supporting enquiries and activity sheets to help pupils discover more about Barking and Dagenham’s wartime history and embed their learning.

Downloads

Teaching ideas

By investigating the development of the borough chronologically, pupils will be able to look for similarities, differences and changes over time throughout the whole history of the area. They will gain an understanding of how the borough they live in today has been shaped, and continues to be shaped, by the place itself and the people who have lived in it.

Each of the following questions is designed to enable pupils to use enquiry techniques to discover for themselves how their local history relates to the national history of Britain. The Barking and Dagenham Local History Teaching Overview describes the specific learning outcomes for each of the activities listed below. You can also download our ‘Essentials’ for extra resources that can be used with all five questions, such as word mats, a glossary and much more.

Question 1 - What role did Barking and Dagenham play in World War 1?

  • Barking and Dagenham World War 1 PowerPoint Presentation
  • WW1 Heroes – Job Drain Information Text and Fact File Activity
  • History Defenders World War 1 Newspaper Activity

Extended Task: Use the website A Street Near You to find out about more WW1 heroes in the area.

Question 2 - What happened in Barking and Dagenham at the end of World War 1?

  • Becontree - Homes for Heroes - PowerPoint Presentation
  • The Becontree Tenants Handbook Analysis Activity
  • Becontree Letter Example and Activity
  • Becontree Photo Pack

Extended Task: What can you find out about the Becontree Girl Pipers?

Question 3 - What role did Barking and Dagenham play in World War 2?

  • Barking and Dagenham’s role in World War 2 PowerPoint Presentation
  • Sir Tasker Watkins Biography and Comprehension Activity
  • Diary Writing Activity

Extended Task: Use the website A Street Near You to find out about more WW2 heroes in the area.

Question 4 - What was World War 2 like for people who stayed in Barking and Dagenham?

  • Barking and Dagenham’s role in World War 2 PowerPoint Presentation
  • Anderson Shelter Information Text and Activity
  • Build your own Anderson shelter Activity

Extended Task: Use the website A Street Near You to find out about more WW2 heroes in the area.

Learning aims and outcomes

  • To investigate aspects of local history and how it relates to a national story
  • To develop a sense of pride in where they live
  • To develop skills in chronology using timelines and historical information
  • To create reasoned and evidentially supported judgements

Prior knowledge

  • No prior knowledge is required, all information is provided.