Pictures: VE day celebrations at Barking school

While older residents can remember what they did on VE Day, Janine Rasiah discovers children have been learning about the war and the importance of peace

Making bunting and learning traditional wartime songs were among a whole host of activities commemorating VE Day at Thames View Junior School in Barking.

Last week kicked off with an assembly explaining its significance before individual year groups concentrated on different aspects – from writing acrostic poems to studying posters from the time.

Activities will continued through this week culminating in today’s celebrations on the anniversary of VE Day.

There will be a two minutes’ silence, with the school hall decorated in the bunting made by pupils, who will also sing songs that they’ve learnt to create a carnival-like atmosphere.

Sara Rider, acting headteacher, said: “VE Day a really strong part of British culture and identity and it’s important that we celebrate that.

“It’s a very proud event in our history and the children have really begun to understand that and become interested in it.

“Some of the year groups have had question and answer sessions and I was really impressed with their knowledge. Many of them have gone home and researched it further which is really nice to see.”

Don’t forget to pick up a copy of this week’s Post for our 12-page VE day supplement. And we’ll have a full round up of celebratory events in next week’s paper.