Cold War

What to expect in this workshop at The National Archives

In this onsite workshop,  students explore Britain’s transition from the end of the Second World War to the early stages of the Cold War (1945-51), with a particular focus on analysing the nature and extent of British preoccupations.

The two-hour workshop is led by an experienced history educator in an inspiring learning space at The National Archives in Kew. Students will handle and work with a range of original documents, including ‘Top Secret’ prime ministerial and cabinet papers and telegrams, which offer a unique insight into British concerns at this time.

What to expect in the online workshop

In the online workshop in your classroom students will explore Britain’s transition from the end of the Second World War to the early stages of the Cold War (1945-51), with a particular focus on analysing the nature and extent of British preoccupations during this uncertain period.

The one-hour online session in your classroom is led by an experienced history educator, you only need a microphone, large screen and webcam to take part. Interactive activities encourage students to discuss their ideas and work in groups using high-quality materials provided in advance by the Education team.

Connections to the curriculum

This session is not designed to be an introduction to the topic and students should have knowledge of the topic in advance of attending the workshop.

• AQA: GCE History, Unit 2R: The Cold War, c1945-1991
• OCR: GCE History, Unit Y113: Britain 1930-1997: British Period Study: Britain’s position in the world 1951-1997 (Enquiry topic: Churchill 1930-1951)
• OCR: GCE History, Unit Y223: Non-British Period Study: The Cold War in Europe, 1941-1995
• Edexcel: GCE History, Paper 3, Option 37.1: The changing nature of warfare, 1859–1991: perception and reality
• Edexcel: GCSE History, Period Study 4: Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941–91
• AQA: GCSE History, BC Conflict and tension between East and West, 1945–1972