On Tuesday 20th April, the Lower Sixth engaged in a thought-provoking workshop with the Migration Museum to explore how the movement of people to and from Britain across the ages has made us who we are – as individuals and as a nation. The workshop was part of the Lower Sixth’s ‘Life Skills’ weekly sessions which focus on developing a wide range of skills and knowledge beyond the A Level curriculum. Throughout the autumn term, Ms. Lewis’ sessions focused on the Windrush Generation and Scandal using a range of sources to critically analyse and evaluate the events. The concept of ‘forced migration’ was discussed widely. Likewise, today’s workshop focused on ‘departures’ and emigration. Tens of millions of people have left the British Isles over the past 400 years. Today, some 75 million people across the world self-identify as having British ancestry, greater than the population of the UK itself. 

But while immigration dominates debates, Britain’s emigration story is often overlooked. Why is this? Who are the many millions who have departed these shores and why did they go? Can exploring their motivations help us better understand the motivations of people who arrive? What impact has this mass movement had on the world – and on Britain? These are some of the questions raised during today’s workshop. Our pupils also had the opportunity to reflect on their own migration stories, sharing experiences of family members who have come and gone throughout the decades.  

The workshop provoked plenty of conversation which was a lovely way to start the new term!