Exploring the Empire Windrush and the experiences of its passengers
I can explain why West Indian immigrants came to the UK on the Windrush and describe some of the challenges they faced when they arrived here.
Exploring the Empire Windrush and the experiences of its passengers
I can explain why West Indian immigrants came to the UK on the Windrush and describe some of the challenges they faced when they arrived here.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Britain had a vast empire in the early 20th Century, but it was very badly affected by WWII and had labour shortages.
- In 1948, a new law clarified that all citizens of the Commonwealth had the right to settle and work in the UK.
- There was high unemployment in the Caribbean; many people hoped for better wages and living conditions in the UK.
- West Indian immigrants therefore arrived in Britain on ships including the Empire Windrush at this time.
- On arrival, they faced discrimination in jobs, services and housing.
Keywords
Colony - a country or area under the control of another country
Emigrate - when you leave your own country to settle in another
Immigrant - someone who has come to a country different to their country of origin to live permanently
Discrimination - treating a person or group of people differently and unfairly because of a certain characteristic
Racism - harmful and unfair behaviours and attitudes that people can show if they hold the belief that their own race is superior to another
Common misconception
Pupils may believe that immigration is only **to** the UK and not into other countries **from** the UK.
Part of the reason for the post-war labour shortage was that Britons emigrated in vast numbers to other Commonwealth countries.
To help you plan your year 6 english lesson on: Exploring the Empire Windrush and the experiences of its passengers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 english lesson on: Exploring the Empire Windrush and the experiences of its passengers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 2 english lessons from the The Empire Windrush: diary writing unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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