Education resources from the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum For more information please contact the learning team on: ext 207 or Learning Activity Key Stage 2 Stories of migration and the search for a better life Suitcase Stories

Education resources from the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum Activity 1: Introduction Facts: At the beginning of the 20 th Century, one quarter of the world’s population lived in the British empire The British empire covered one quarter of the world’s land surface At the end of 20 th Century Britain had 14 dependent territories outside the British Isles, small islands with a combined population of just over 2 million. There are 54 Commonwealth countries, over half in the developing world. After the 2 nd World War the British government encouraged immigration to Britain under the European Volunteer Workers Scheme Look at our interactive map:

Education resources from the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum Facts continued…. Many non-white people also began to migrate to Britain from the Caribbean, South Africa, and India Some of the immigrants served in the British forces during the 2 nd World War Others came in search of better opportunities Many immigrants were skilled or professional people and there was plenty of work for everyone

Education resources from the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum Task 1 Reasons why people leave to live in another country: 1. ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ 2. ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ 3. ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ 4. ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________

Education resources from the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum Task 2 Suitcase stories: What do I take with me?

Education resources from the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum Task 3 Investigate your characters through your objects/ image cards Mohindra ChowdhryRoy Hackett Sheila Mitchell BanePrecious McKenzie

Education resources from the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum Task 4 Discuss the following questions in your group: Is your character male or female Why did he/she come to England? What ethnic group /culture did he/she belong to? What job/skill did he/she have? Any other findings?

Education resources from the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum Task 5 Present your characters to your class

Education resources from the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum Task 6 Watch and listen to your character tell their story (Watch videos on this page or click here to view the files on our website) e.org.uk/learning- teaching/learning-key-stage/key- stage-2-video-archive/ Mohindra ChowdhryRoy Hackett Sheila Mitchell BanePrecious McKenzie