Click here to download the Learning Activities (in pdf format) which complete this lesson.

Learning Objectives
To understand what it is like to join a new community. To understand how immigration can enrich our country.

It is likely that everyone taking part in this lesson is descended from immigrants - it is just a question of how far back you go.

480AD 25AD 1960 1948 1880 1570 1320 1066 455 990 2006

Travelling bands of Celts were the first to invade Britain. They brought with them new methods of forging metal, making things from iron ploughs and horse shoes to delicate jewellery.

From 43 AD until the end of the 4th Century the Romans settled and integrated with local tribes.

They brought with them their engineering and road construction skills, and built bridges, baths and heating systems.

The Germanic tribes of the Angles, Saxons, Frisians and Jutes colonised Southern England, establishing new settlements and cultivating the land.

The Vikings were superb boat builders. They introduced their heroic tales to Northern England and East Anglia, and possibly brought the game of chess.

The Normans conquered Britain in 1066, and imposed a legal and administrative system much of which still exists today.

Medieval Britain benefited from the immigration of Jewish businessmen, scholars and doctors.

In the 16th century the Huguenots, fleeing from religious persecution in France, settled in London, Norwich and Canterbury. They brought their skills of silk weaving and silversmithing.

In Victorian times the need to transport goods to and from the mills led to a rapid expansion of the transport system - work that was undertaken by labourers from Ireland.

Thousands of citizens from across the British Empire fought for Britain during the two world wars. At the end of the WW11 there was a shortage of workers, and many who had fought for Britain came to live here.

Doctors, nurses, teachers, bus drivers, factory workers etc. came from countries across the empire to help re-build Britain.

Nowadays where there is a shortage of dentists, doctors, builders, hotel workers or cleaners, it is often people from Eastern Europe who come to fill the gap.

Throughout the ages people have come to Britain, fleeing from poverty or war. In many cases they have been desperate, and prepared to take enormous risks.

Good for Work

low unemployment rate (under 5%) a typical work week of 35 hours generous leave, maternity and paternity benefits 12 public holidays good salaries reasonable taxes.

Social and Cultural

it is a multi-cultural society most people are tolerant the crime rate is low lively theatre, music, art it has beautiful scenery fascinating historical sites & buildings.

Education
Britain is a world leader in education world famous universities education is free

Health and Welfare

free healthcare available to every one. a welfare system which supports people through hard times.

Click here

Headteacher Nasib Cheema, who came from the Punjab in India at the age of ten, tells her story.

So we turn full circle. Perhaps Britain is a Great country to live in because of the influence of all the many different individuals, groups, races and cultures that have come here.

They have established our systems of government, contributed to our pursuit of knowledge, added to our wealth, commerce and industry, and shaped our music, art, sport and diet.

Glossary
immigrant - someone who has come from another country to live in Britain. descended - related by ancestry integrate - mix, come together colonise - settle, make your home somewhere persecute - bully, single out

If you enjoyed this lesson, why not try:

The Golden Rule
How all the major religions subscribe to the idea that we should behave towards others as we would like others to behave towards us.

Belonging to Groups
Groups we belong to and how they support us. The positive and negative aspects of groups. Anti-bullying. Team roles and tasks.

Useful Web Links

Migration Histories http://www.movinghere.org.uk/galleries/histories/default.htm - a detailed resource on the migration histories of ,amongst others, Carribbean, Irish, Jewish, South Asian peoples to the U.K http://www.movinghere.org.uk an invaluable resource tracking 200 years of migration to the U.K including current debates, teaching resources, information, links and profiles http://www.100greatblackbritons.com/links.html - 100 great Black Britons and a list of invaluable educational resources and links http://www.black-history-month.co.uk Black History Month http://learningcurve.gov.uk/ - free online teaching resources and educational games for key stages 2-5 on amongst others, the end of the British Empire

Useful Web Links

Migration, Refugees, Asylum http://www.refugee-action.org.uk/information/Links.aspx - Refugee Action a national charity, an invaluable resource for links, learning and the voices of refugees to the U.K http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/citizenx/being/rights/animation.shtml a young asylum seeker starts at a secondary school in Britain, a short animation with lesson pointers about the life, questions and issues of asylum seekers in the U.K http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/club/your_reports/newsid_30750 00/3075789.stm - Lots of children have to claim asylum in the U.K, a selection of case studies, read about their new lives in the U.K http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_1600000/newsid_160700 0/1607077.stm - a comprehensive guide to asylum for children