Gypsy Roma Traveller Education Pack

There are questions we at the TT hear so many times, and we are sure you do too:

"It's so complicated. What are we supposed to call you all? Where do you come from? What have you got to do with each other? I'm confused!'

And we often wished there was something short and sweet that we could show people to point them in the right direction.

'Roads from the Past' is a response to these questions. It's a short animated film about the history of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people in Britain, from ancient times up to the present day.

The fact is, our history is long and complicated. You can't explain it all in five minutes, any more than you could explain the history of England, or farming, or music.

So this film isn't a full explanation. It's just a start. A way into thinking about Gypsy, Roma and Traveller history that is based on some important facts. Like the fact we are ethnic groups: peoples like any other. And that we can trace our histories back a long way, just like everybody else. And that like all history, ours is worth paying attention to.

It might be especially useful for teachers or other people working with young but equally useful for adults who are intersted in finding out more.

It's not just aimed at explaining our history to non-Gypsy, Roma or Traveller people. The term 'GRT' is controversial - not everybody agrees it should be used. This film doesn't try and explain the politics of the term. But it does say a little bit about the things we have traditionally had in common; things that have led to us sometimes being referred to together.

Below you will find more resources to use for free

Please click on these images below to find our FREE downloadable resources

Gypsy Roma and Traveller pupils have the highest temporary exclusion rates and the lowest attendance.

The DfE highlighted GRT pupils as a vulnerable group in Ofsted’s inspection framework (School Inspection update 2018). Sean Harford wrote in the update: “Despite the setting up of a ministerial working group on tackling inequalities experienced by the Gypsy and Traveller communities, outcomes over the last three years have continued to decline.”

“Roads from the Past” is a short animated film about the history of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people in Britain, from ancient times up to the present day. This film is vital watching for teachers and other people working with young people because Travellers are regularly discriminated regularly against and misunderstanding about Traveller culture is widespread.

The statistically low attainment of GRT pupils is influenced by many complex factors. Encouraging better understanding of the GRT community will help Traveller pupils to have a voice within the education system and will reduce some of the barriers they face at school.

Above you will see digital downloads to accompany the film including an assembly, lesson plan ideas and a Lifestyle, History and Culture FAQs pack to support non-Traveller teaching staff, which can be used throughout June as part of Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month, or at any time to raise awareness and embed inclusivity as part of your teaching. The pack has been designed so schools can run online webinars, Zooms, Microsoft Teams etc. safely online if needed 

These resources are suitable for upper KS2 and lower KS3 however please free to adapt them to accommodate your education needs or email travellerstimes@ruralmedia.co.uk to discuss your needs