The Real Histories Directory

Bangla Stories is based on a three year research project exploring the history and experience of migration from the Bengal delta region in the period after Indian Independence in 1947. We were interested in exploring when, how and why people moved and their experiences of migration and settlement in new places. We collected over 180 life history interviews with first generation migrants living in India, Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. The project focused on Bengali Muslims, who were the largest group to settle in the UK. These Bangla stories paint a very intimate portrait of what it means to migrate, to start a new life and create a new home.

The Bangla Stories teaching resource pack has been designed for teachers, youth workers and any other professionals interested in young people growing up in Britain. The lesson plans are for KS3 students (11-14 years), though they can be used with older students. Although the resource pack is based on material from the Bangla Stories website, it is not aimed solely at young people of Bengali/Bangladeshi heritage. It is hoped that the themes, suggested research and projects will stimulate thought and discussion among students of all backgrounds.

The lesson plans are primarily focused on KS3 English but they also provide a cross-curriculum experience linking Citizenship, History, Geography and PSHE. Because of the nature of the content of the lesson plans and the website, the resource pack provides many opportunities to consider extensive and stimulating cross-curriculum cohesion.