Legacies of transatlantic slavery

During the transatlantic slave trade Liverpool was responsible for the forced migration and brutal enslavement of millions of people. This continued to have a significant social and economic impact on Britain after the trade was abolished.

This workshop will enable students to get hands-on with museum objects, using these unique resources to investigate the connection between the transatlantic slave trade and some of its legacies, from racial segregation in the past to Black Lives Matter today.

As students progress through the activities, they will explore sources that celebrate inspiring examples of individuals and communities who have created positive change. A member of the museum learning team will also help empower students to discuss race and racism in an appropriate and responsible way.

Please note that this is only suitable for Year 5 and 6 pupils from Key Stage 2.

Workshop details

Each group will be introduced to historical sources, artefacts and artwork to aid and deepen their understanding of complex and global histories, examining changes over time in relation to diversity of society and the process of change. This helps contribute to a sense of identity, belonging and social cohesion.

This unique learning experience helps illustrate some of the ways in which our lives continue to be shaped by significant events of the past and helps enable students to imagine their role in creating a better future. 

Note to teachers

Please arrive on time for your workshop or we may not be able to run it for you. Please share these notes with your adult helpers before your visit. This will help them to support your pupils have a successful and enjoyable day. 

Practical information for your visit

Visiting the International Slavery Museum - information for groups (pdf)

Curriculum links

The content of this session has links to:

Key Stage 2 History

  • Gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world.
  • Understand the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as their identity and the challenges of their time
  • Gain historical perspective by placing their growing knowledge into different contexts, understanding the connections between local, regional, national and international history

PSHE

Core theme 2: Relationships:

  • Managing hurtful behaviour and bullying - R21. about discrimination: what it means and how to challenge it
  • Respecting self and others

Core theme 3: Living in the wider world:

  • Communities - L8. about diversity: what it means; the benefits of living in a diverse community; about valuing diversity within communities 
  • L9. about stereotypes; how they can negatively influence behaviours and attitudes towards others; strategies for challenging stereotypes
  • L10. about prejudice; how to recognise behaviours/actions which discriminate against others; ways of responding to it if witnessed or experienced

Fundamental British Values

  • Build an understanding of respect, tolerance and freedom, as well as individual and collective responsibilities to protecting fundamental rights
  • Enable students to contribute to a more welcoming, tolerant and inclusive environment
  • Pupils are encouraged to voice opinions appropriately, as well as listen to and respect the opinions of others
  • Pupils take a role in group discussion and debate
  • Pupils work collaboratively and contribute to group decisions about evidence

Key Stage 3 History

  • How people’s lives have been shaped by Britain and how this nation has influenced and been influenced by the wider world
  • Britain’s involvement in the Transatlantic Slave Trade, including its effects and its eventual abolition

Key Stage 3 Citizenship

  • The precious liberties enjoyed by the citizens of the United Kingdom
  • The ways in which citizens can work together to improve their communities

Key Stage 4 History

OCR History A

Impact of Empire on Britain 1688-1730 Depth Study

  • The involvement of the British population in the slave trade including: the development of ‘slave ports’ – Bristol, Liverpool, London – growth of ideas of a racial hierarchy and impact of these ideas on settled minority communities; opposition to slavery and the slave trade

AQA History

Paper 2: Shaping the Nation

Britain: Power and the people: 1170 to the present day

  • Protest and change: campaigning groups and their methods and impact, including the Anti-Slavery movement

Britain: Migration, empires and the people: c790 to the present day

  • Sugar and the Caribbean: piracy and plunder; the development of the slave trade, the economic and social impact of the slave trade on Britain.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

Pupils will:

  • Understand the significance of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and its impact on today’s society
  • Recognise some of the key achievements of a variety of African cultures and societies prior to the arrival of Europeans to the continent and the start of Transatlantic Slavery
  • Be introduced to Black role models and celebrate their achievements and excellence
  • Be introduced to the work of young contemporary activists
  • Learn what ‘tools’ they can use to help challenge racism and raise awareness

Skills

Pupils will:

  • Use historical terms and concepts in a sophisticated and empathetic way
  • Identify significant events, make connections and draw contrasts.
  • Analyse primary sources, including reliability and bias

Concepts

Pupils will:

  • Be introduced to artefacts in a museum context and as primary sources of investigation
  • Recognise cause and consequence

Attitude

Pupils will:

  • Increase confidence in identifying and challenging racism
  • Appreciate a variety of perspectives when leaning about historical events
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