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Year 6 - English

Researching the Windrush in preparation for writing an essay

The Empire Windrush: essay writing

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils use research of the Empire Windrush to write an essay about why the Windrush Generation immigrated and what life in Britain was like for them. Pupils write formally throughout, using facts and varied sentence structures, and they follow a clear line of argument across the essay.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to research the historical and social context of the Windrush in preparation for writing an essay.

Key Notes

  • The passengers of the Empire Windrush were seeking better job opportunities and a new life in Britain.
  • Windrush passengers were mostly men, many of whom had served in the British Armed Forces during the Second World War.
  • Some Britons welcomed the Windrush Generation as a much-needed source of labour while others opposed their arrival.
  • The 1958 Notting Hill Race Riots damaged trust between the Afro-Caribbean community and the British establishment.
  • Despite the significant challenges they faced, the Windrush Generation made extensive contributions to British society.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • British Empire: countries ruled or controlled by Britain
  • Commonwealth: a collection of countries that work voluntarily towards shared goals of democracy, prosperity and peace
  • immigrant: a person who has moved to a foreign country permanently, often for work or better living conditions
  • The Empire Windrush: a passenger ship that carried large groups of post-war West Indian immigrants to Britain in 1948
  • the Windrush generation: refers to the people who travelled from the Caribbean to the UK from 1948-1971

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may have the misconception that the Windrush Generation's experience of life in Britain was very positive.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

The passengers of the Empire Windrush were seeking better job opportunities and a new life in Britain. Windrush passengers were mostly men, many of whom had served in the British Armed Forces during the Second World War.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'British Empire'

countries ruled or controlled by Britain.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may have the misconception that the Windrush Generation's experience of life in Britain was very positive. Correction: The 'Life in Britain' learning cycle explores the challenges and discrimination faced by the Windrush Generation.

More Lessons In This Unit

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