At St Lawrence College, we believe in nurturing young minds not just through books, but through meaningful, real-world experiences that inspire curiosity, empathy and a lifelong love of learning. This term, our Prep School pupils embraced a truly unforgettable journey back in time — one that deepened their understanding of British history, strengthened community values, and brought classroom learning vividly to life.
Stepping into Wartime Britain
To round off their immersive VE Day project, pupils from our Prep School spent the day at the Kent and East Sussex Railway in Tenterden, experiencing life in 1940s Britain. The trip followed an earlier school assembly with Miss Smith that introduced pupils to the significance of Victory in Europe Day and the social impact of wartime Britain.
With evacuation tags around their necks, homemade gas mask boxes in hand, and ration books tucked away, the children became evacuees for the day. This thoughtful role play formed part of a wider, cross-curricular project commemorating VE Day — linking history, drama, and social studies in a way that felt both relevant and deeply human.
An Engaging, Interactive History Lesson
From exploring rationing and food substitutes — including trying a surprisingly delicious chocolate spread made from potato — to interacting with the mischievous “Viv the Spiv”, pupils experienced the resourcefulness and resilience that defined the Home Front.
They were even issued ID cards and ‘evacuated’ by authentic steam train from the station, where they were ‘received’ by villagers at their destination. The experience offered a compelling window into the emotional journey that countless children once undertook during the war.
But perhaps most moving of all was the opportunity to listen to real-life evacuees recount their wartime experiences — a rare and powerful moment of intergenerational connection that will remain with our pupils for years to come. As these living histories grow fewer with time, we are proud to offer opportunities for our children to learn directly from those who lived through the events that shaped our nation.
Values in Action: Empathy, Respect, and Understanding
At St Lawrence College, our commitment to character education is woven into everything we do. Experiences like this one go far beyond textbooks: they help children develop empathy, resilience, and a deeper respect for others.
By immersing our pupils in history in this way, we’re not only preparing them academically — we’re helping them become thoughtful, values-led citizens who understand the importance of kindness, community, and courage in the face of adversity.
A School at the Heart of the Community
As one of the leading independent schools in Ramsgate and the wider Kent area, St Lawrence College is proud to be rooted in both tradition and innovation. We strive to offer our families a rich educational journey that combines academic excellence with outstanding pastoral care and purposeful experiences beyond the classroom.
Our Prep School pupils gain confidence through real-world learning, thrive in small classes led by passionate educators, and are supported every step of the way in a close-knit, nurturing community.
Whether your child is a budding historian, an explorer at heart, or simply curious about the world, our Junior School provides the perfect foundation for them to grow, thrive and be inspired.
Discover more about how our values-led approach shapes every step of your child’s journey.
Book a tour today or explore our upcoming Open Day on 16 June — we’d love to welcome you to St Lawrence College.
