Grange Academy scoops History Challenge trophy at St Joseph’s Campus
S2’s and S3’s from across East Ayrshire took part in the annual History Challenge at St Joseph’s Academy recently.
The young people were challenged to learn about the impact of the Second World War on their own communities, to prepare a display about what they had learned, and give a presentation to their peers and invited guests.
There were some fascinating facts, for example the Saxone factory in Kilmarnock stopped making shoes and only produced footwear for the army, while in Darvel the mills stopped production of luxury goods to make anti-splinter netting, which was installed on buildings across the UK to stop glass from entering properties during bombing raids.
Loudoun Academy Communication Centre also shared some incredible facts about the first special air service, now known as the SAS, who trained in the hills around Darvel.
The team from Stewarton Academy explained that Crusader Crescent in Stewarton was named after the crusader tanks from the 26th armoured brigade who were based at Lainshaw Estate along with the 17th and 21st Lancers.
All the young people had carried out research into local people who had served during the war and had spoken to local historians and family members to find out more. They also researched evacuees who had arrived in East Ayrshire from Glasgow and beyond. Doon Academy explained that 100 children arrived in Dalmellington by train and they had spoken to a local lady, Mrs Ireland who had been an evacuee.
Provost Claire Leitch, Councillor Elaine Cowan, Spokesperson for Education, and Children and Young People, and Linda McAulay-Griffiths, Director of Education and Skills, has the unenviable task of judging the competition, which had been organised by Mr Marr, a history teacher from St Joseph’s Academy.
Provost Leitch said: “The enthusiasm in the room was incredible. The young people had taken this challenge with both hands and had done some wonderful research into the impact of the Second World War on their communities. The young people had found items from family members including medals, a helmet and an air raid warning device that was unbelievably loud. The team from The Robert Burns Academy also made wonderful models of air raid shelters and the team from Kilmarnock Academy had a Lego spitfire and model tanks on display.
“The judging was so close – there was literally one point between the top teams, but we felt that Grange Academy had delivered an exceptional presentation and had included video from local historian Shona Lawson, which really added an additional dimension and brought the stories of local people to life.
“This was an exceptional event, and I would like to thank Mr Marr for all his hard work making this happen.”
The following schools participated in the 2026 History Challenge – Doon Academy, Kilmarnock Academy, Loudoun Academy Communication Centre, Grange Academy, St Joseph’s Academy, Stewarton Academy and The Robert Burns Academy.