Spitfire Girls UK Tour History Lesson Plan

Introduce your students to the world of the Spitfire Girls before you visit, and as a tool to engage with in your classroom before and afterwards. This resource pack endeavours to support young people with engaging with these stories beyond their visit to the theatre and champion the story of these incredible women.

Learning Objectives:
● Students will understand the historical context of women’s roles in the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) during WWII.
● Students will analyse the challenges and contributions of female ferry pilots.
● Students will evaluate the significance of the ATA and its impact on the war effort.
● Students will explore the personal experiences and motivations of the women involved.
● Students will use primary and secondary sources to develop a historical understanding of the period.
● Students will consider the themes of equality, courage, and resilience in the context of WWII.

Key Concepts:
● The Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA): Understanding its role in ferrying aircraft during WWII.
● Women in Wartime: Understanding the changing roles of women during WWII, including their participation in traditionally male-dominated fields.
● Primary and Secondary Sources: Analysing different types of historical evidence including the play as a secondary source.
● Equality and Social Change: Exploring how WWII challenged traditional gender roles.

Resources:
● White board & markers
● ‘Drawing Conclusions from Evidence’ sheet (attached)
● Pens
● Primary sources 1 & 2 (attached)
● Secondary sources 1 & 2 (attached)

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