River Kwai — KS2 Worksheet · Postcard from Thailand

1 Things to watch for

While you watch the film

Tick each box when you spot it or hear about it.

A mention of the famous film made in 1957
Which countries the prisoners of war came from
Why the railway was nicknamed the “Death Railway”
The other famous “legend” places the film talks about

2 Let's think about it

Answer in a sentence or two

Why did the bridge become so famous — because of what really happened, or because of a film?

What was the railway really built for, and why was it called the “Death Railway”?

Name one exciting thing in the 1957 movie that did not really happen.

3 Quick quiz

Tick the right answer

1. In which country is the Bridge over the River Kwai?

Japan

Thailand

India

2. What was the railway built for?

To carry tourists on holiday

To move army supplies in the Second World War

To deliver post between villages

3. Why is the old film not a good way to learn the true story?

Because it is in black and white

Because its story was mostly made up

Because it was filmed in the wrong country

4 Draw and write

Use your imagination

Your task. The film says people often visit the story in their head instead of the real place. Draw the bridge in the box below, then write one true fact you learned underneath.

One true fact I learned:

5 Word search

Just for fun

Find these 10 words. They can go across, down, and diagonally!

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BRIDGERIVERRAILWAYTHAILANDTRUE STORYMEMORYPLACEHISTORYRESPECT

6 Think beyond Thailand

Big thinking · your own place

Detective challenge

We learned that the story people tell about a place isn't always the whole truth. Every place has stories like this — even yours!

Your mission: Think of a place near where you live — a park, a building, a street, a monument. What story do people tell about it? Do you think the whole story is being told?