Women & Leisure During the First World War

A drama activity for Year 3 pupils that shared stories of what North East women were doing during the First World War.

We investigated stories and information about women’s work; women’s football; choirs and entertainment; and notable women in the North East such as Ruth Dodds with three classes from the East End of Newcastle. Each class created a small variety show which was performed in front of their school.

Pupils were asked to compare their own experience of the world to that of people 100 years ago and to think about the role and expectations of women during that time. Thanks to a ‘Box of Delights’ from Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums, we were able to show real objects from the FWW including children’s books, cigarette cards, soft toys and a white feather.


“I liked and learned a lot about Vesta Tilley. She was a famous star.”

– Year 3 Pupil


“My favourite part was singing ‘Keep the Home Fires Burning’. I learned about Pierrot groups and what they did.” 

– Year 3 Pupil


Project delivered by

Cap-a-Pie in collaboration with Year 3 children at Hotspur Primary School and St Lawrence RC Primary School in the East End of Newcastle as well as Dr Stacy Gillis, Dr Emma Short, and Dr Paul Wright (all from Newcastle University) who were working on a project, funded by the AHRC’s “Living Legacies 1914-1918” Centre, and with volunteer citizen researchers Polly Hunt and Janet Longbottom


Thanks to our Funders

Scroll to Top