What is meant by the Windrush generation? - Teacher notes

The Windrush generation refers to the large group of people who emigrated from the Caribbean to Britain at the invitation of the British government after World War II. This generation is named after the MV Empire Windrush, the ship that brought one of the first groups of Caribbean migrants to the UK in 1948. The British government needed to fill over a million job vacancies post-war and encouraged migration from the British Empire. However, despite the official invitation, the reception of the black Caribbean immigrants was not always welcoming, and they faced significant racial prejudice and societal indifference upon arrival.

Teachers aim to educate pupils on the contrasting experiences of the Windrush passengers, who were often excited for a new beginning, and the cold reception they received from some segments of the British population. Through classroom activities, pupils explore the complexities and challenges that the Windrush generation encountered, including discrimination and the struggle to integrate into British society. The pupils are also encouraged to weigh the pros and cons of the migration of the Windrush generation to Britain and reflect on the broader impact of immigration on the country over the past century, recognising the substantial contributions and enduring influence of these communities on British cultural and social life.