Management Information Sheet

June is Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month and to celebrate the National Association for Teachers of Travellers (NATT) is running their yearly competition for ALL children from Foundation Stage to KS4.

This year’s competition is called ‘Lest We Forget’ and asks for an illustrated piece of writing that remembers someone from a Gypsy, Roma or Traveller (GRT) heritage.

Following Department of Education Advice

The research and writing for the competition can be incorporated into the curriculum across a variety of subjects (History, Music, ICT, Literacy, Art - to name a few), but also provides an ideal way to explore Gypsy, Roma and Traveller culture, history and heritage.

It allows schools to look aAt the inclusion of a vulnerable group in a creative way and follows the advice from the Department of Education for schools to promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils and British Values.

Through the competition all pupils are encouraged to value other cultures with respect and tolerance, while GRT pupils’ self-esteem, self-knowledge and confidence will be given a boost, through acquiring an appreciation of and respect for their own culture.

The national competition suggests…

• 'You could write about the Gypsy musicians who have influenced music all over the world. Tell us about the Gypsy soldiers who fought for our freedom in the world wars. Perhaps you could commemorate the thousands of lives that were lost during Porajmos or a relative who has made sacrifices or decisions that have supported your lifestyle today'

.........and offers a £100 prize! There are suggested website links to start the research and ideas. Please see the attached flier for more detail and visit the NATT website (|www.natt.org.uk).

For any advice of further information please do not hesitate to contact the Minorities Achievement and Attainment Services.