Learning & Legacy
Education & the Young Historian Project
Helping younger generations understand the meaning and legacy of D-Day.
Education is at the heart of the Trust’s mission. Through classroom resources, competitions, and partnerships with schools and educators, we aim to ensure the stories and significance of the Normandy Landings continue to be understood by future generations.
Education Packs
Resources for teachers and schools
A Teacher Resource Pack entitled Remembering the Normandy Landings has been produced by the British Normandy Memorial with support from the British Council for D-Day 80.
This resource is invaluable for teachers and schools wanting to engage pupils with the background to D-Day. It includes suggested activities, research articles, and supporting material for classroom use.
It is available online through the British Council resource page.
Printed copies
Some hard copies are still available from the Spirit of Normandy Trust. Teachers may request these by sending details of their school, including a postal address, to info@spiritofnormandy.org.uk.
Copies will be sent free of charge, but the Trust asks that schools keep it informed of D-Day related activities.
2026 Competitions
Creative and historical competitions for schools and young people
D-Day Poster Competition
Closing Date: 1st May 2026
The Spirit of Normandy Trust is running a creative competition for primary and secondary aged children.
Pupils are invited to design a poster which illustrates and captures everything that D-Day was about. There are several categories in 2026, with prize money available. Entries will be judged by the Normandy veteran community.
Categories for 2026
Handmade Art
- KS2
- KS2 SEND
- KS3
- KS3 SEND
- KS4
- KS4 SEND
Digital Design
- KS2
- KS2 SEND
- KS3
- KS3 SEND
- KS4
- KS4 SEND
Important guidance
No AI generated images, text, or design elements are allowed.
Entries should be scanned and emailed to info@spiritofnormandy.org.uk.
Please name the scanned file with the child’s first name, competition category, and age. For example: Sarah KS2 Handmade, Age 9.
Posters may be used on social media and the Trust website, so please let the Trust know if there is any issue with the poster or the first name and age of the child being publicised.
Young Historian Competition
Closing Date: 17th July 2026
Working closely with the Young Historian Project, the Trust awards annual prizes for essays and projects submitted by schools relating to World War 2 events and their historical significance.
These prizes are open to both groups and individual pupils across three categories, and overseas entries are also welcomed. Veterans are especially keen that children should understand what the war meant to servicemen and their families.
In addition to the winning awards in each category, further prizes may be awarded for entries considered of special merit. The General Martin Award, named in memory of the Trust’s founder, is valued at £150 and may be awarded to an exceptionally outstanding entry.
Prize Categories
Primary
Usually a class project or after-school group entry.
- Winning entry – £150
- School or group also receives – £150
KS3
Usually individual entries in this category.
- Winning entry – £150
- School or group also receives – £150
Senior
Usually individual entries in this category.
- Winning entry – £150
- School or group also receives – £150
All entries receive recognition of participation, and Trustees are willing to visit schools to distribute awards and certificates where practicable and when invited.
The Young Historian Project is an offshoot of the Historical Association, and entries are received and judged by a volunteer committee of educators before recommendations are made to the Trust.
For details of entry, contact Dr. Trevor James on 01543 301097 or email enquiries@history.org.uk.
Interested in taking part?
Schools, teachers, and educators are warmly encouraged to get in touch for resource requests, competition guidance, or to share D-Day related activities.