Oral history transcript of Monica, a Jamaican elder who gives a very personal account of her journey to Britain in the 1950s. Research document around family life and values; subjects, English, Modern History, Citizenship, and Drama. Age coding 11-16. Teachers and parents can create unique learning activities to help stimulate classroom and home-school discussions on embracing differences and change. Monica talks about her last day in Jamaica and excitement on going on an airplane and the financial support given by her father. Next, we hear how she followed her parents’ wishes saying, " One thing my parents instilled in me was the idea that you would not have a child before you were married." She talks about her husband and having children, the changes Jamaica Independence would bring, and why they decided to remain in England because, " Being British, at that time the education system was something to look upon." However, she still had to fight for the rights of her children not to get left behind in the classroom. Monica talks about the cultural and social differences between a Jamaican and English family, the importance of manners and discipline, and how we must preserve our heritage. This resource will help, in creative writing and short monologue performances. It invites educators and students to explore, reflect, and celebrate the rich tapestry of identities within our shared history. Interview by the Oral Historian Sharon Rappaport for the Cultural Re-Awaking Conference for the Jamaica Hidden Histories project, 2012-2015, at the Metropolitan Archives in 2013. Jamaica Hidden Histories is an educational project by Full Spectrum Productions, supported by The Heritage Lottery Fund and produced by Lorna Holder.

A research document designed to enlighten teachers, parents, and students about the experiences of Caribbean nurses who contributed to the NHS during the 1950s and 1960s. This is a 4-page resource, available in PDF and Word formats. Subjects: History, Social History and Citizenship. Age range -14-16. This resource unfolds the oral history account of Mrs. Mary Lawrence, a trailblazing individual who journeyed from the Caribbean to Britain in 1962 and entered the profession of nursing in 1964. Mrs. Lawrence vividly recalls the perception of nursing as a prestigious profession during that era, offering unique insights into the training and working environment within the NHS in the 1960s. Mrs. Lawrence tells us about the various nursing categories, titles, and demanding training regimens, revealing that dedication often required 48 hours of weekly ward duty alongside qualified colleagues. The resource sheds light on, etiquette, manners, presentation, and patient care, illustrating the nuances of a nurse’s role in that era. Mrs. Lawrence reflects on the challenges of questioning decisions made by superiors, providing a glimpse into the professional dynamics of the time. Enhancing the narrative are two supporting archive images capturing Caribbean nurses in Nottingham during the 1960s, photographed by Esmel Woma. These visual elements enrich the learning experience, offering a glimpse into the historical context. This resource will help teachers and parents create engaging activities for both classroom and home learning. Particularly relevant for Black History Month, it offers a positive and inspiring account of the significant contribution made by the Windrush generation to the NHS. “Caribbean Nurses in Britain” is an extract from the Moving Out book by Lorna Holder.

Video- 15 minutes long. A Lesson starter for age 16+ in subjects: Drama, English and Citizenship. Based on research into the oral histories of Britain’s Filipino community at the Centre of Filipinos in London in 2006. About families separated by continents, and their stories forming the basis for truthful, high-quality dramas, which genuinely celebrate diversity. Teachers can create unique learning activities to explore the many issues raise in the video. The majority of the workshop participants were women, which is an accurate reflection of the make-up of the community. Filipino economic migration to Europe coincided with a demand for domestic workers. There were stories of wives and mothers leaving their families behind and becoming breadwinners for their extended families. ‘Departure Lounge,’ a dramatic monologue written and produced by Lorna Holder. Nena, a woman in her forties, sits nervously, waiting for the boarding announcement in the departure lounge at the airport. Now returning to the Philippines after 25 years working in the U.K, Nena has to make a final decision; should she return to the Philippines, to the husband she hardly knows and son whose childhood she missed? Or should she remain working for the family who employ her and the ‘adopted’ English children she has raised? The video has a supporting e-book The Ones We Left Behind available on Tes.

Oral history transcripts spanning three generations of women of Jamaican and British heritage. Rooted in the tradition of oral storytelling, this learning resource encourages teachers to craft unique activities, lesson plans, and comprehension questions. It empowers students to explore their cultural identity and prompts independent research. Tailored for Key Stage 3, Year 9 students, this resource supports subjects like History, English, Geography, Citizenship, Media Studies, and Drama. Ideal for both classroom use and homeschooling, these interviews, conducted by Oral Historian Sharon Rappaport, offer profound insights. Parents can use this resource to educate their children about their heritage, fostering a stronger sense of identity and belonging. Diverse communities can find shared values and experiences within these narratives. These oral interviews are part of the Jamaican Hidden Histories project (2012-2015), produced by Lorna Holder for Full Spectrum Productions. Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, this project aims to unearth and communicate information about Jamaica’s distinctive cultural identity and its links with Britain. The Cultural Re-Awakening Conference in 2013 marked the project’s inception, featuring diverse workshops, talks, discussions, storytelling, and oral history interviews. The nine-page interview transcripts, accompanied by powerful images, provide a comprehensive learning tool. These images include the Jamaica Hidden Histories banner, capturing the historical context, a photograph of female drummers at the event’s opening, and the conference flyer. Uncover the stories that shape identity and belonging, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural heritage. Explore the captivating narratives captured in the Hanging Out trailer, also produced by Lorna Holder, available on Tes."