As part of our BHM learning, class 6 have been studying HMT Empire Windrush.

In 1948 the British Nationality Act gave people from colonies the right to live and work in Britain. The government needed workers to help fill post-War labour shortages and rebuild the economy. Caribbean countries were also struggling economically and job vacancies in the UK offered an opportunity. Many of those who came became manual workers, drivers, cleaners, and nurses in the newly-established NHS.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the voyage and class 6 looked at the Notting Hill Carnival, an annual Caribbean Carnival event that has taken place in London since 1966 on the streets of the Notting Hill area of Kensington, over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

It is led by members of the British Caribbean community, many of whom are descendants of the families that arrived on the Windrush. We designed and decorated masks, similar to those worn in the carnival and listened to Soca music. Take a look at our fabulous masks below.

As part of WMH day class 6 have Taken 10 to Read today. We spent 10 minutes reading some of our new chapter book, The Unbelievable Top Secret Diary of Pig by Emer Stamp. Another one of my favourites, the book is about Pig who, after finding out his Farmer doesn’t love him at all but is planning to eat him, escapes the farm with his best friend Duck on a ‘Trocket’ bound for Pluto, made by the Evil Chickens who also live on the farm. We had great fun joining in with the story and making up silly voices for the characters. What a fabulous way to relax.