Overview and Outcomes:

This is a 15-session Writing Root for Windrush Child by Benjamin Zephaniah.  Children begin by examining a range of historical evidence relating to HSS Empire Windrush’s arrival in Britain from the Caribbean and consider the motivations of those onboard for coming to the UK.  Working through the story, they uncover a timeline of Jamaica’s history alongside the experiences of those journeying to Britain after the Second World War.  Children will write an airmail letter from the main character, Leonard, to his dad who has travelled ahead to Manchester, as well as exploring his emotions in a diary entry and a set of advice to other arrivals. There will be the chance for children to examine and perform the poem Windrush Child by John Agard before writing their own version based on events in the story.  The sequence of learning culminates in children writing a pitch to the local council to erect a new monument to commemorate the Windrush generation.  Teachers may wish to link History and PSHE sessions alongside to allow children time to explore themes in more detail.

This resource includes Bridging Bookmarks.

Synopsis of Text:

In this heart-stopping adventure, Benjamin Zephaniah shows us what it was like to be a child of the Windrush generation.  Leonard is shocked when he arrives with his mother in the port of Southampton. His father is a stranger to him, it’s cold and even the Jamaican food doesn’t taste the same as it did back home in Maroon Town. But his parents have brought him here to try to make a better life, so Leonard does his best not to complain, to make new friends, to do well at school – even when people hurt him with their words and with their fists.  But how can a boy so far from home learn to enjoy his new life when so many things count against him?

Text Rationale:

This poignant story, written by influential poet Benjamin Zephaniah, delves into the history of the Windrush generation.  Through studying the text, children will engage with the experiences of those who left behind their homes in the Caribbean and arrived on the shores of Britain after the Second World War.  An accompanying study of the poem Windrush Child by John Agard helps children to understand the personal experiences of those involved and the reasons why this period in history is so important to remember today.

Links and Themes:

Windrush, Caribbean, black history, journeys, migration, poetry, performance poems

Guidance notes:

This text provides an important opportunity for children to learn about why Caribbean citizens moved to Britain after the war, and the Windrush generation’s lasting contributions to British society. It also explores racism, reflecting the discrimination many migrants faced, and it encourages open, proactive discussion about race and anti-racism to promote equality and respect. Teachers should approach these themes sensitively, particularly given possible lived experiences of racism or the Windrush scandal. The book also includes references to adultery and racially motivated violence or language . Guidance and resources are provided to support these discussions.

Date written: June 2021

Updated: September 2025

This is the updated, three week version of Windrush Child, with Bridging Bookmarks.  For the four week version, please contact resources@literacytree.com.