Celebrating the 75th Windrush anniversary
The arrival of the ship HMT Empire Windrush at Tilbury docks in 1948, bringing more than 800 passengers from the Caribbean, is a moment that shaped modern Britain. On 22 June 2023 we will mark its 75th anniversary.
In recognition of this significant anniversary, Ealing Council will be celebrating the contributions and achievements of the Windrush generation and would like to ask every school in Ealing to join them in this celebration by:
- Dedicating time to an assembly and/or lessons for pupils to learn about the contributions of the Windrush generation and their descendants.
- Participating in a drawing and poetry competition celebrating the achievements and contributions of the Windrush generation and their descendants
- Nominating pupils of African Caribbean descent for an Award from the Descendants Annual Achievement Awards
We know that many schools already have exciting plans in place to mark and celebrate Windrush 75 and we would love to hear about what you are doing and share this more widely. Please contact us via EducationRaceEquality@ealing.gov.uk
Assemblies / Lessons
Schools are asked to commit to recognising and celebrating the 75th anniversary of Windrush by dedicating time during May and June 2023 to assemblies and/or lessons for pupils to learn more about Windrush, with a focus on the achievements and contributions of the Windrush generation and their descendants within Ealing and the UK.
Krystal Rubie who delivers the race equality in the curriculum training (provided to all schools by ELP) has created some power point resources that may be useful in assemblies, classrooms, or PSHCE etc.
All include examples of contributions of people from the Windrush generation, and their children including information about how they helped Britain to rebuild after the war:
- KS1 - Focus on the positive contributions of the Windrush generation - no racism content
- KS2 - Speaks about racism and bus boycott as well as a focus on the positive contributions of the Windrush generation
- KS3/ KS4 – Includes an overview on Black British civil rights as well examples of the positive contributions of the Windrush generation
Primary teaching resources
- British Library - Windrush Stories Teaching Pack (Primary)
- Windrush Foundation - Lesson Plans Empire Windrush and Caribbean Migration (KS2 and KS3)
- Geraldine Connor Foundation - Windrush Learning Resource
- Haringey Council - Windrush Education Pack KS2 and KS3
- Black British Stories - BBC Teach
Secondary teaching resources
- Windrush Foundation - Lesson Plans Empire Windrush and Caribbean Migration (KS2 and KS3)
- British Library - Windrush Stories Teaching Pack (Secondary)
- Geraldine Connor Foundation - Windrush Learning Resource
- Haringey Council - Windrush Education Pack KS2 and KS3
Personal stories
Ealing
National
- Floella Benjamin - Children's Presenter & Author - BBC Teach (KS1)
- Malorie Blackman - Writer - BBC Teach (KS1)
- Laurie Cunningham - England Footballer - BBC Teach (KS1)
- Alison Bennison - Working as a NHS nurse - BBC Teach (KS2)
- Dennis Morris - Becoming a photographer - BBC Teach (KS2)
- Benjamin Zephaniah's book: Windrush Child - BBC Newsround
Ealing Organisations
Descendants Descendants is a history and arts-focused organisation aimed at children and young people aged 4-16, primarily but not exclusively of African and Caribbean descent.
WAPPY Empowering young people in creative expression.
Parents Action & Resource Centre Mission is to address the inequalities that currently exist in the education system and help create an inclusive education system for all.
Useful websites
- Windrush Stories | The British Library (bl.uk)
- Windrush 75 - Black History Month 2023
- Windrush Resources | Haringey Council
Related news
- Ealing race equality in education: EducationRaceEquality@ealing.gov.uk
