Life in Twentieth Century Britain

Let's take a trip through twentieth century British history. Together we will explore different parts of life in Britain, starting in 1901 and ending in 1999. Each week, we will discuss a different time period in history and learners will get the chance to discuss the different parts of British life. Great to understand more about British history for the upcoming #jubilee 

Each week, we will look at a different period in history and discover what life was like for different people and communities. We will look at key events for each time period, explore what life was like for British people and discover new technologies and inventions that were introduced in each decade. 

The class will be discussion based and use the different sources as a prompt for discussions. Through the classes, learners will learn about different time periods, as well as practicing using sources to help inform their opinions.

No prior knowledge is needed for this class.


Edwardian Britain
20th January
This week, learners will look at the difference between rich and poor Edwardians, Learn about new children's literature of the period, discover new inventions and learn about key events such as the 1908 Olympics, the campaign for women's suffrage and the sinking of the Titanic.


World War 1
27th January
Learners will explore the jobs that men and women did during World War 1 in Britain and look at how children helped the war effort. We will discuss how Britain made sure food was available and look at rationing during the war.


Roaring '20s
3rd February
Learners will discover new foods eaten in Britain in the 1920s and new fashion trends. They will learn about the development of film and the beginning of 'celebrities', as well as look at the development of international travel and vacations.


The 1930s
10th Feburary
This week, we will look at King George V, King Edward VIII and King George VI. We will look at changes to houses and household implements as well as new food introduced. We will also look at popular entertainment in the 1930s.


World War 2
24th February
This week, we will learn about evacuation during World War 2. We will also talk about air raids and air raid shelters and think about some of the precautions that Britain undertook to help prevent air raids. We wil also look at rationing and how this impacted everyday life.


Post War years
3rd March
This week, learners will explore the creation of the welfare state and discover how Britain rebuilt after World War 2. We will also look at the decline of the British Empire and explore the arrival of the 'Windrush generation' from the Commonwealth.


1950s
10th March
Learners will discover new foods and music trends from the 1950s. They will learn about the Festival of Britain and the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Learners will also explore the development of motoring in Britain.


1960s
17th March
This week we will talk about the development of the television as mass entertainment and look at how the availability of radios resulted in new music. We will look at the 1966 world cup and discuss the development of the Notting Hill Carnival.


1970s
24th March
This week, we will explore the new food and new music of the 1970s. We will look at the development of Concorde and take a look at the decimalisation of British currency.


1980s
31st March
This week, we will look at the introduction of processed foods in the UK. We will also look at the introduction of food and technology to British homes, including the mobile phone, the microwave and the home computer. We will also look at the wedding of Princess Diana and talk about the role of Margaret Thatcher on British life.


1990s
7th April
Learners will discover the Americanisation of Britain, including the addition of new foods from America to the UK. We will look at 1990s pop music phenomenon, including Brit Pop and Girl Power. We will also look at the death of Princess Diana. We will learn about 1990s fashion and popular culture, including Harry Potter.