Social Studies

Read and/ or perform the stunning production of ‘The Beaches of St Valery’ using the original script by Stuart Hepburn. This powerful play recounts one man’s experiences of the Battle of St Valery in 1940. Originally produced by A Play, A Pie and A Pint at Òran Mór. Prepare to be spellbound! #StValery80 Playwright: Dr. […]

Originally produced by A Play, A Pie and A Pint at Oran Mor in Glasgow the critically acclaimed ‘The Beaches of St Valery’, is Stuart Hepburn’s powerful play recounting one man’s experiences during and after the Battle of St. Valery in June 1940, France. Watch the play or read the play script and answer the […]

This reading and research activity introduces learners to the part Winston Churchill, Charles de Gaulle, Victor Fortune and Erwin Rommel played in the Battle of St. Valery in June 1940. #St.Valery.

On 12th June 1940, Jack Low was a 21 year-old Scottish soldier with the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. He was also part of the 21,000-strong 51st Highland Division who that morning had been forced to surrender to the Germans at St. Valery-en-Caux in France. Marched and then put on cattle trucks to POW camps in […]

Davy Steele and the Battlefield Band’s haunting song ‘The Beaches of St. Valery’ is at once a hymn to soldiers and heartfelt tribute to Davy’s father and uncle who were involved in the last stand at St. Valery-en-Caux. Listen to this achingly moving song here. Questions are included to help young learners / home-schoolers reflect […]

Resources to support schools celebrate the build up to the 75th anniversary of VE Day, Friday 8th May 2020 Look out for a special delivery of our VE Day Souvenir Pack coming to your school this March A range of dynamic interdisciplinary online resources aimed at Level 2 and 3 of Curriculum for Excellence (adaptable […]

An English translation of ‘An Eala Bhan’ and ‘Tha ar n’ainm ard air Menheim’.

A selection of source extracts and accompanying teacher’s notes to help students analyse and contextualise historical sources around this topic.

A selection of source extracts and accompanying teacher’s notes to help students analyse and contextualise historical sources around this topic.

A selection of source extracts and accompanying teacher’s notes to help students analyse and contextualise historical sources around this topic.

A selection of source extracts and accompanying teacher’s notes to help students analyse and contextualise historical sources around this topic.

A selection of source extracts and accompanying teacher’s notes to help students analyse and contextualise historical sources around this topic.

The Scottish Poppy Appeal (Jack Alexander, 2011). Jack Alexander, author of McCrae’s Battalion, provides a comprehensive history of Poppyscotland.

The ‘Journey’ Challenge. Learners are challenged to watch the Poppyscotland film ‘The Journey’ to help them answer some ‘Big Questions’, like ‘Why is it important to remember? Teacher’s notes and students’ notes are combined into one easy to download document which is available as a Word or PDF file.

Scottish Victoria Cross Research Challenge. Learners are challenged to find and research Scots who were awarded the Victoria Cross. Teacher’s notes and students’ notes are combined into one easy to download document which is available as a Word or PDF file.

Interview With A Veteran Challenge. Learners are challenged to interview a veteran in their local community and present their findings to their classmates, wider school community or group. Teacher’s notes and students’ notes are combined into one easy to download document which is available as a Word or PDF file.

Conflicts Since The Second World War Challenge. Learners are challenged to find out about recent conflicts in which British troops have been involved. Teacher’s notes and students’ notes are combined into one easy to download document which is available as a Word or PDF file.

PowerPoint presentation which can be used at school assemblies for Third Level students. The presentation is focused on why it is important for us to remember past conflicts and what remembrance means today.

Assembly explaining the significance of the centenaries of the First World War. This is the first of two linked PowerPoint presentations with the same title. If you are downloading this PowerPoint we recommend that you also look to download ‘Remembrance and centenaries of the First World War (Day One)’.

PowerPoint presentation which can be used at a remembrance assembly in schools or colleges. This presentation outlines the effect of the First World War on the nation.

Assembly explaining the significance of the centenaries of the First World War. This is the first of two linked PowerPoint presentations with the same title. If you are downloading this PowerPoint we recommend that you also look to download ‘Remembrance and centenaries of the First World War (Day Two)’.

Download our Poppyscotland’s Schools Fundraising Leaflet and discover fun and enterprising ways in which you can raise money for the Poppy Appeal in the run up to Remembrance Day.

PowerPoint presentation about remembrance and Armistice which could be shown at a school assembly. This presentation explains through the use of photos and short sections of text the history of Armistice Day.

Poppy Quiz Challenge. Don’t miss the latest episode of telly’s top talk show ‘A chat with . . .?’  where showbiz interviewer Mr Brad Bradley gets up close and personal with superstar icon of remembrance Miss Poppy Scotland. All you ever wanted to know about the poppy will be revealed! Learners are challenged to watch […]

Poppy Tea & Toast Challenge. Learners are challenged to invite local residents to a Poppy Tea & Toast exhibition or concert where all of their research of their learning about a war topic or Poppyscotland can be displayed. Information on how to order a Poppyscotland ‘Tea & Toast Pack’ is included within this challenge. Teacher’s notes and students’ notes […]

Scottish Poppy Appeal Challenge. Learners are challenged to organise a Scottish Poppy Appeal fundraising event in their school and develop enterprise skills.  Teacher’s notes and students’ notes are combined into one easy to download document which is available as a Word or PDF file.

Garden of Remembrance Challenge. Learners are challenged to design and create a memorial/garden of remembrance, organising a special event for members of the community, including those affected by conflicts. Teacher’s notes and students’ notes are combined into one easy to download document which is available as a Word or PDF file.

Exploring Local Places of Remembrance Challenge. Learners are challenged to explore and re-create aspects of local places and memorials of remembrance. Teacher’s notes and students’ notes are combined into one easy to download document which is available as a Word or PDF file.

Grow Your Own Poppy Kit Challenge. Learners are challenged to grow their own Poppy Kits to sell as part of their schools fundraising efforts for the Scottish Poppy Appeal. Teacher’s notes and students’ notes are combined into one easy to download document and is available as a Word or PDF file.

Local Challenge. Learners are challenged to create a DVD which shows what happens in their community at remembrance time. Their recordings could include interviews with veterans of various conflicts and/or highlight how the conflicts have affected veterans and their families in their community.  Teacher’s notes and students’ notes are combined into one easy to download document which is available as a […]

Poppyscotland Research Challenge. In the week before Remembrance Sunday learners are challenged to create a powerful, bright and interesting display somewhere in their school so students and visitors can get information about what the day means and what work Poppyscotland does with veterans today. Teacher’s notes and students’ notes are combined into one easy to […]

Scottish War Poets Challenge and ‘In Flanders’ Fields’ Challenge. Learners are challenged to read and research Scottish War poets and learn about the poem ‘In Flanders’ Fields’ by John McCrae. They are also challenged to use their research to create a biographical piece about one of the poets. Learners are also encouraged to use their imagination and knowledge […]

Remembrance Assembly Challenge. Learners are challenged to plan and lead a whole school assembly sharing their own songs, poems, and art work, with an invited guest from Poppyscotland, or a local veteran etc. Teacher’s notes and students’ notes are combined into one document which is easy to download as a Word or PDF file.

Poppy Product Challenge. Learners are challenged to design new products for Poppyscotland such as jewellery, wrapping paper, T-shirts, cards, event posters, bookmarks, calendars (showing local people and places) etc. Teacher’s notes and students’ notes are combined into one document for ease of access and download. Available in Word or PDF versions.

International Display Challenge. Learners are challenged to design and create a display which details how other countries around the World commemorate people who have fought and died in conflicts. Teacher’s notes and students’ notes are combined into one document for ease of download.

Earl Haig: Brilliant or Butcher Debate for Second & Third Level. Using the resources contained within this challenge write a speech (For & Against) for an upcoming debate on the founder of Poppyscotland: Earl Haig. Teacher’s notes and student’s notes contained within the one challenge document.

The Falklands War Timeline Challenge.  Your challenge is to make a timeline showing what caused The Falklands War and how it unfolded. Teacher’s and student’s notes are contained within one document.

First World War Museum Challenge. Create a mobile exhibition of research and original pieces of work which can be presented within the establishment or local community e.g. library, museum. Teacher’s notes & student’s notes are contained within the one document.

First World War Timeline Challenge. Your challenge is to create a timeline showing what caused The First World War and how it unfolded. A number of different activities are also suggested through the use of support materials. Teacher’s notes & student’s notes are contained within the one document.

The Falklands War Documentary Challenge. Learners are challenged to make a documentary (using digital resources) about The Falklands War. Teacher’s notes & Students’ notes are contained within the one exciting challenge document.

Assembly highlighting the significance of war memorials in remembrance.

PowerPoint assembly presentation outlining the importance of why remembering past conflicts is important.

Assembly PowerPoint presentation highlighting the role of poetry in remembrance.