WW2 Codebreaking Workshop for Primary Schools (Year 2 to Year 6)
The WW2 Codebreaking Journey is a Second World War codebreaking workshop for primary schools, delivered in your hall by Giant Journeys across the UK and Ireland. Pupils from Year 2 to Year 6 learn Morse code through movement and decode Enigma style messages in 45 minute sessions, one class at a time and up to six a day, with all equipment provided.
The most unique codebreaking workshop for primary schools.
It’s 1940 and the world is at war.
Germany has invaded Poland, France, Holland and Belgium, and intelligence suggests that Operation Sea Lion, the invasion of Great Britain, is imminent.
We’ve intercepted enemy radio signals and sent them to Bletchley Park, home of the country’s codebreakers.
These messages have been encoded using German Enigma machines and must be deciphered and delivered to military command as quickly as possible.
Can your pupils crack the code?
Our facilitator will introduce cryptography to your young codebreakers, beginning with a unique and engaging approach to Morse Code through movement.
Overview
- Up to 6 sessions in a full day
- 45 minute sessions, tailored to fit your school timetable
- Sessions can fit around the school day, lunchtimes and breaks
- Delivered one class at a time
- Suitable for Year 2 to Year 6
- Delivered in school halls or large indoor spaces
- All equipment provided
- Strong focus on teamwork, problem-solving and logical thinking
Pupils will step into the role of wartime codebreakers, working against the clock to decode intercepted enemy messages.
They will explore how information was hidden and protected during World War II, and why secure communication played a vital role in the war effort.
Using messages inspired by German Enigma machines, children will begin to understand how complex codes were created and why accuracy and attention to detail were essential.
Our facilitator introduces cryptography in an accessible and engaging way, beginning with a unique approach to Morse Code through movement.
This physical introduction helps pupils grasp abstract ideas through action, making learning memorable and inclusive for different learning styles.
From the science of secrecy used by the ancient Egyptians to important wartime codes, this is a workshop with a difference.
Children will identify patterns, test theories, and work collaboratively to crack codes, developing logical thinking and problem-solving skills along the way.
Best delivered in a school hall, this journey can be tailored to age and ability and is flexible around your school timetable.
A fascinating and challenging session that encourages teamwork, focus and resilience.
What Will Your Students Do?
Learn Morse Code Through Movement
Discover Morse Code using a unique physical approach that brings communication to life.
Decode Wartime Messages
Work together to decipher encrypted messages sent using Enigma-style coding.
Explore the History of Cryptography
Learn how codes have been used throughout history, from ancient civilisations to World War II.
Work as a Codebreaking Team
Collaborate, problem-solve, and think logically to complete the mission under pressure.
Why Schools Love the WW2 Codebreaking Journey
Questions teachers ask before booking
How much does a codebreaking workshop for schools cost?
A half day is £450 plus VAT for up to four sessions. A full day is £650 plus VAT for up to six sessions. Tailored quotes are available for larger schools or longer bookings.
Which year groups can take part?
Year 2 to Year 6, delivered one class at a time. The journey is tailored to age and ability.
How long is each session?
Each session runs 45 minutes. Sessions fit around the school day, lunchtimes and breaks, with up to six in a full day.
What happens in the session?
It is 1940 and intercepted enemy signals have arrived at Bletchley Park. Pupils learn Morse code through movement, then work as a team against the clock to decode messages inspired by German Enigma machines.
Is it linked to Bletchley Park?
Yes. The mission casts pupils as the codebreakers of Bletchley Park, and the facilitator traces cryptography from the ancient Egyptians to the wartime codes.
What does the school need to provide?
A school hall or large indoor space. All equipment is provided.
How does it link to the curriculum?
The workshop supports Second World War history alongside maths and problem solving, with a strong focus on teamwork and logical thinking.
Where do you travel to?
Schools across the UK and Ireland.
Related journeys and pricing
- WW1 Workshop: Tommy’s Journey: Question an AI soldier from 1916 and help bring Tommy home.
- CSI Journey: Solve the mystery of the stolen Venus Diamond with fingerprint and DNA evidence.
- Pricing: A half day is four hundred and fifty pounds plus VAT for up to four sessions. A full day is six hundred and fifty pounds plus VAT for up to six sessions.
- Locations: The towns and regions we travel to across the UK and Ireland.
- Teaching children how Bletchley Park codebreakers won WW2: The story behind the codebreaking mission.
- Engaging STEM workshops for primary schools: How a codebreaking day fits a school STEM week.
Ready to Bring the WW2 Codebreaking Journey Into Your School?
A hands-on, immersive workshop that brings World War II history and the art of codebreaking to life, encouraging pupils to think critically, work collaboratively, and solve problems through engaging real-world challenges.