Age 9 to 11 (KS2), Age 11 to 14 (KS3)
Western Front
Booking Information
What is Documentary Challenge?
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Documentary Challenge takes students out of the classroom and into IWM’s galleries to explore objects and tell those stories in their own words. Briefed by Reena, a filmmaker for SMASH TV, students are given smart-cameras and tasked with making mini documentaries on the people and objects they feel the world needs to know about.
About this session
Through this digitally–led experience, students develop historical inquiry skills to question, consider, debate and evaluate primary sources, while also gaining a deeper understanding about the impact of war and conflict on people’s lives in the past, and its relevance in society today.
This activity will take place in the American Air Museum.
Focus your session
In this space the session can be tailored to meet a variety of topic needs for your class. Some of these topics can be: Second World War, Cold War, 21st Century Conflict, Local History, US History.
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Second World War
The American Air Museum provides a compelling educational setting for exploring the role of the United States in the Second World War. Through its impressive collection of original aircraft, such as the B-17 Flying Fortress and P-51 Mustang, students taking part in a Documentary Challenge session can gain a deeper understanding of the air war over Europe and the experiences of American forces stationed in Britain.
The museum’s exhibits are enriched by personal stories, photographs, and artefacts that humanise the conflict and support key curriculum themes such as the Allied war effort, transatlantic cooperation, and the impact of aerial warfare.
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Cold War
The Cold War collections of the American Air Museum offer students the chance to explore post-1945 history and the global tensions between East and West. Through dramatic displays of aircraft such as the SR-71 Blackbird, F-4 Phantom, and B-52 Stratofortress, students can examine how technological innovation and military strategy shaped the Cold War era.
The exhibits are supported by personal stories, original artefacts, and multimedia content that bring to life the lived experiences of those who served during this period. During a Documentary Challenge session, students can use the stories and objects on display to highlight themes such as deterrence, the arms race, and the human impact of geopolitical conflict, all within the context of Anglo-American cooperation.
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Local History
The American Air Museum offers a valuable opportunity for students to explore how global events shaped local communities throughout the 20th century and beyond. Through personal stories, photographs, and artefacts, the museum highlights the strong connections between American forces and the people of East Anglia during the Second World War. Cold War displays, including aircraft like the SR-71 Blackbird, are accompanied by stories of joint training missions and radar operations carried out from rural sites in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire, illustrating the continuing strategic partnership between Britain and America post-1945.
These local narratives reveal how the presence of US forces impacted daily life in the region, fostering cultural exchange and lasting friendships. This local-global perspective helps students engage with history in a meaningful and relatable way.
Learning Objectives
Documentary Challenge allows active exploration of the History curriculum in relation to real historic artefacts within IWM. Through making their mini-documentaries, students will:
- Use primary sources as evidence to construct, illustrate and present an argument
- Develop communication and presentation skills through filmmaking
- Deepen understanding about the impact of conflict on people’s lives in the past and relevance to society today.
National Curriculum Links
- Key Stage 2 History: A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066 (for example, the Battle of Britain)
- Key Stage 3 History: Challenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world 1901 to the present day
Testimonials
‘An incredible way for students to learn. The opportunity to explore, be creative, make choices, voice their thoughts and do so with the rigidness of having to know an examiners mark scheme. Teachers crave being able to support students in learning this way. A wonderful experience!’ – Key Stage 3 Teacher
‘A thoroughly 21st century learning event which genuinely helps to develop historical and deeper understanding of the past.’ – Key Stage 3 Teacher
‘Our pupils thoroughly enjoyed their visit, including the Documentary Challenge, which was a wonderful, creative way of engaging children with the exhibits.’ – Key Stage 2 Teacher
Further information for teachers
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IWMGetting ready for Documentary Challenge
Use these videos in the classroom to help you understand what a documentary is and what skills are used to make them. We hope after watching them and doing the activities you will be ready for Documentary Challenge!
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Session Notes
Please ensure you read the session notes for Documentary Challenge ahead of your visit.
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Terms and Conditions
Please read our booking terms and conditions before your visit.
