The UK’s Windrush Day is on Monday 22 June 2020. In this past week, Senior School Leidschenveen prepared for the day by focusing on the lived experience of the Windrush Generation and the present-day British Caribbean society.
What is Windrush Day and why is it celebrated?
The ‘Windrush Generation’ refers to West Indians who were invited to come to Britain between 1948-1971 in response to a need for skilled labour in rebuilding post-war Britain and the later economic booms. Acknowledging and learning about the contributions West Indians have made to Britain post-WWII, and the injustices they have faced while doing so, giving our students an opportunity to reflect on diversity, immigration, and economic issues.
The United Kingdom government's official press release on Windrush Day,
Windrush Day marks the anniversary of the arrival of MV Empire Windrush at the Port of Tilbury, near London, on 22 June 1948. The arrival of the Empire Windrush nearly 72 years ago marked a seminal moment in Britain’s history and has come to represent the rich diversity of this nation.
Windrush Generation: A Personal Story
Students participated in a whole-school assembly led by Senior School Leidschenveen English teacher, Natalie Cole, whose grandparents and parents arrived in Britain as a part of the Windrush Generation. Natalie’s personal connection made history tangible for students, allowing the post-assembly discussions to be vibrant and insightful.
Learning about and celebrating the beauty of diversity is very important to me. I was proud to share and raise awareness of the Windrush generation within the international setting and I hope that this is the beginning of an exciting journey, exploring the different and diverse cultures at SSL.
Natalie Cole, English Teacher at Senior School Leidschenveen
The assembly was broadcast through Microsoft Teams, allowing all students and staff to take part in their own classrooms and homes. As per Dutch regulations for secondary schools, only 50% of the student body are on campus each day, with the other 50% joining through remote learning. This virtual assembly format allowed for many smaller, more personal discussions to take place in the tutor groups directly after the assembly.
Improving Diversity and Inclusion: Key to the BSN Curriculum
A core value of The British School in the Netherlands is to teach an international education through a globalised British Curriculum, and the International Baccalaureate.
It is vital that we use our curriculum to explore important issues in society. Senior School Leidschenveen’s staff feel strongly about the need to highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in international education.
James Oxlade, Headteacher Senior School Leidschenveen
Teaching Resource
Natalie Cole has created free teaching resources for an assembly or a lesson, covering Caribbean history (starting with colonialism) and three writing activities.
