An Aberdeen University academic has contributed to new resources to help school pupils understand the impact of the First World War.
Neil McLennan, a senior lecturer in the School of Education, is among the experts who have helped Poppy Scotland to develop new education packs.
Mr McLennan has led an initiative to create a new and lasting way for youngsters to reflect on the war through music called #iPlay4Peace.
He managed the original set of school resources created by Poppy Scotland to enhance learning about Remembrance in 2010 and said he was pleased to be involved again as learning moves on from the centenary of the end of the First World War.
Mr McLennan said: “It is really important that the next generation continue to learn the lessons of World War One, but this is more than simply teaching them about the conflict and cooperation.
“The Poppy Scotland learning initiative is fantastic because its remit goes much deeper than that. Teachers and pupils are guided through the experience of life in the trenches, military tactics and the technology of war, but the resources also focus on commemoration and remembrance.
“My involvement with #iPlay4Peace has shown how important it is that we continue to find ways to engage all generations with this important element of our past.”
In the run-up to Remembrance Sunday this weekend, Mr McLennan visited Lathallan School near Johnshaven in Aberdeenshire, where he worked with a number of teachers and children while using the resources.
He added: “It was fantastic to see the education pack in use and how well the pupils responded to it.”
Mark Bibbey, Poppy Scotland’s chief executive said: “Working with academics to bring the latest research and high quality learning to schools is essential.
We are delighted to have worked with University of Aberdeen and Abertay University to refresh our Poppy Scotland Learning resources.
“Bringing in Neil McLennan’s research on shell-shock, the war poets and commemoration ensures students across Scotland are well equipped to learn about the importance of remembrance in the future.
“Neil has also made a significant contribution to our recently launched Far, Far from Ypres Project.”
