Summary
This Living History session is based on oral histories gathered from three Manchester women who migrated from the Caribbean to England in the 1950s.
Pupils meet Gabrielle on the island of St Kitts and help her with her life changing decision to move to England in the 1950s.
Session itinerary

Meet facilitator and introduction to museum, ground rules and expected behaviour established (to be aware of other visitors, do not touch the banners as they are very delicate). Discussion of different ways of finding out about the past, including oral history.
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Scene one of performance in Engine Hall.
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Activity in mini theatre space – discussion about St Kitts using the interactive whiteboard, differences between St Kitts and Manchester.
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Scene two of performance in mini theatre.
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Activity in 1945 room – observing differences between objects in 1945 and today; discussion about reasons for migration to Britain.
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Scene three of performance in mini theatre, including thought tracking activity. The group will help Gabrielle to decide whether or not she should move to Britain.
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Activity – gallery exploration. The group will explore Main Gallery Two and explore what Britain in the 1950s was like. The children are free to explore all areas of the gallery, however the children should be split into smaller groups, each supervised by an adult. The facilitator will be on hand to answer any questions.
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Scene four of performance in mini theatre.
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Activity – write a letter home.
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Scene five of performance in mini theatre.
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Brief verbal evaluation.
Objectives
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To explore aspects of post war migration to Britain from the Caribbean.
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To increase understanding about the experiences of people who moved to Britain in the 50s.
Themes explored
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The British Empire

Post War Britain

Migration

Work

Racism
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Housing
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Music / leisure

Shopping
People’s History Museum, Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3ER
Tel/fax 0161838 9190 learning@phm.org.uk
www.phm.org.uk

Methods

Through theatrical performance
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Through drama activities
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Through gallery exploration
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Through role play
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Through letter writing
KS2 National Curriculum links
History
2a. characteristic features of the periods and societies studied, including the ideas, beliefs, attitudes and experiences of men, women and children in the past
2b. the social, cultural, religious and ethnic diversity of the societies studied, in Britain and the wider world
4a. how to find out about the events, people and changes studied from an appropriate range of sources of information
4b. to ask and answer questions, and to select and record information relevant to the focus of the enquiry
11b. Britain since 1930
Citizenship
1a. to talk and write about their opinions, and explain their views, on issues that affect themselves and society
2c. to realise the consequences of anti-social and aggressive behaviours, such as bullying and racism, on individuals and communities
2e. to reflect on spiritual, moral, social, and cultural issues, using imagination to understand other people’s experiences
2i. to appreciate the range of national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the United
Kingdom
4b. to think about the lives of people living in other places and times, and people with different values and customs
English
Speaking and Listening
1a. use vocabulary and syntax that enables them to communicate more complex meanings
1e. speak audibly and clearly, using spoken standard English in formal contexts
2b. ask relevant questions to clarify, extend and follow up ideas
2e. respond to others appropriately, taking into account what they say
3a. make contributions relevant to the topic and take turns in discussion
3b. vary contributions to suit the activity and purpose, including exploratory and tentative comments where ideas are being collected together, and reasoned, evaluative comments as discussion moves to conclusions or actions
4c. use dramatic techniques to explore characters and issues
9a. live talks/readings/presentations
11c. responding to performances
Writing
1a. choose form and content to suit a particular purpose
People’s History Museum, Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3ER
Tel/fax 0161838 9190 learning@phm.org.uk
www.phm.org.uk

KS3 National Curriculum links
History
Key concepts
1.2a. understanding the diverse experiences and ideas, beliefs and attitudes of men, women and children in past societies and how these have shaped the world
1.4a. analysing and explaining the reasons for, and results of, historical events, situations and changes
British history f. the impact through time of the movement and settlement of diverse peoples to, from and within the British Isles g. the way in which the lives, beliefs, ideas and attitudes of people in Britain have changed over time and the factors – such as technology, economic development, war, religion and culture – that have driven these changes h. the development of trade, colonisation, industrialisation and technology, the British Empire and its impact on different people in Britain and overseas, pre-colonial civilisations, the nature and effects of the slave trade, and resistance and decolonisation
Curriculum opportunities c. appreciate and evaluate, through visits where possible, the role of museums, galleries, archives and historic sites in preserving, presenting and influencing people’s attitudes towards the past
Citizenship
Key concepts
1.1c. considering how democracy, justice, diversity, toleration, respect and freedom are valued by people with different beliefs, backgrounds and traditions within a changing democratic society
1.3a. appreciating that identities are complex, can change over time and are informed by different understandings of what it means to be a citizen in the UK
Key processes
2.1a. engage with and reflect on different ideas, opinions, beliefs and values when exploring topical and controversial issues and problems
2.2a. express and explain their own opinions to others through discussions, formal debates and voting
Range and content i. The changing nature of UK society, including the diversity of ideas, beliefs, cultures, identities, traditions, perspectives and values that are shared j. migration to, from and within the UK and the reasons for this
English
Key concepts
1.1a. being clear, coherent and accurate in spoken and written communication
Key processes
2.1a. present information and points of view clearly and appropriately in different contexts, adapting talk for a range of purposes and audiences, including the more formal
2.1e. listen and respond constructively to others, taking different views into account and modifying their own views in the light of what others say
2.1g. make different kinds of relevant contributions in groups, responding appropriately to others, proposing ideas and asking questions
2.1j. use different dramatic approaches to explore ideas, texts and issues
2.3d. adapt style and language appropriately for a range of forms, purposes and readers
Range and content
3.1b. informal group or pair discussions
People’s History Museum, Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3ER
Tel/fax 0161838 9190 learning@phm.org.uk
www.phm.org.uk

Curriculum opportunities
4.1f. develop speaking and listening skills through work that makes cross-curricular links with other subjects
4.1g. watch live performances in the theatre wherever possible to appreciate how action, character, atmosphere, tension and themes are conveyed
4.1i. speak and listen in contexts beyond the classroom
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge & Understanding
Recollection of facts/detail & grasp of how and why & ability to make connections
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Learn more about why people migrated to Britain from the Caribbean in the 1950s
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Understand more about the experiences of people who moved to England in the 50s
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Learn more about the what the British Empire was
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Learn about daily life in Britain after World War II
Skills
Personal skills, ability in classroom
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Use observation skills to explore a range of objects, images, audio and video
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Use speaking and listening skills to participate in the drama activities
Values, Attitudes & Feelings
Overall experience & empathy with events and people; change in attitude to the past; awareness of museum’s role
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Empathise with Gabrielle’s character and reflect on the decisions she made
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Reflect on the experiences of people who migrated to Britain from the Caribbean
Enjoyment, Inspiration & Creativity
Inspiration fired, curiosity triggered or surprise and fascination
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Find history interesting
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Make connections with the past
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Enjoy playing a part – i.e. coop shop worker
Behaviour, progression
Challenge to preconceptions, increased interest in classroom or individual interest

Learn what is expected of visitors to museums
 Learn to show respect for other people’s needs in public places
People’s History Museum, Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3ER
Tel/fax 0161838 9190 learning@phm.org.uk
www.phm.org.uk