MI5 history for schools launched (18.7.2006)

As part of our ongoing history project, the Security Service website has been expanded to include an "MI5 History for Schools" section. This builds on the existing history pages on our website to provide information and exercises for pupils on several topics relating to the Service's history. The new pages cover:

  • the use of invisible ink and secret writing;

  • secret codes and the story of the Second World War MI5 agent GARBO; and

  • spy gadgets in World War II.

The new pages also tie in with the 2006 Summer Reading Challenge, an annual initiative by The Reading Agency (new window) (TRA) which this year has secret agents as its theme. TRA is the UK agency for libraries and reader development. Its mission is to inspire reading by working with libraries and partner organisations. Each year, it organises a Summer Reading Challenge for schoolchildren to inspire them to read books over the summer holidays. The initiative is supported by the UK's leading children's publishers and more than 85% of the country's library authorities.

The Director General of the Security Service, Dame Eliza Manningham-Buller, was particularly pleased to lend her support to the work of TRA and the City of Westminster Libraries in promoting the Summer Reading Challenge. As a former English teacher she recognizes the importance of encouraging young people to read.

Photograph of Reading Mission presentation at Thames House
(click for a larger version - 416 Kb)

On 17 July 2006, she welcomed to Thames House a small party of children from Millbank School, accompanied by their deputy headmistress Diane George, the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Alexander Nicoll, children's author Anthony Horowitz, and representatives from TRA and Westminster Libraries.

Dame Eliza said:

"When Westminster Libraries asked us to support The Reading Agency's 2006 Reading Challenge, "The Reading Mission (new window)", we were delighted to accept. The Reading Mission is an exciting project which will, I hope, encourage reading during the summer holidays. When I taught English, my pupils often asked for suggestions for their summer reading. Now, as Director General of MI5, I hope my Service's support for this project will encourage as many children as possible to embark upon their own Reading Mission."

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