Gypsies, Roma and Travellers, Showmen have a rich and diverse heritage and culture which should be embedded into school curriculums.
Background
Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen communities are ethnically diverse groups that have contributed to British society for centuries.
Their distinctive way of life and traditions manifest themselves in nomadism, the centrality of their extended family, unique languages and entrepreneurial economy.
It is widely acknowledged that there is a limited understanding among the general population about Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen heritage and culture.
Why it is important to promote the inclusion of Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen heritage and culture into the curriculum?
Focusing on ways in which Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen heritage and culture can have greater presence and become more visible in the curriculum is a way of contributing towards meaningful respect, recognition, relationship-building, and promoting inclusion, challenging stereotypes and fostering a sense of belonging.
What does good practice look like in schools?
- Schools include Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen history and culture in their curriculum, including how European Roma and Sinti people were targets of the Holocaust.
- Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen heritage and culture is celebrated and embedded in the school curriculum together with other cultures and not on its own. For example, when answering enquiry questions like ‘What does family mean to you?’, ‘What different types of home are there?’
- Schools actively celebrate Gyspy, Roma, Traveller History Month in June. Taking this opportunity to improve parents’ awareness, such as including a Myths and misconception article in your parent newsletter.
- Schools have good quality books and resources that represent Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen communities through positive narratives.
- Staff have CPD on Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen cultures and histories, to help promote and embed a better understanding of the communities. Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Showman awareness training
- Schools make extra effort in building relationships and welcoming the parents of Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen children, particularly at secondary stage, including enhanced transition and a key adult.
- Involve parents and community members in school life and collaborate with Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen families to understand their needs and perspectives.
- Schools sign up to the ‘Pledge for Schools’ which commits schools to creating a warm, welcoming, inclusive, and celebratory environment for Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen children.
How can Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen heritage and culture be included in the curriculum?
English:
- Include books written by Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen authors
- Discuss themes such as identity, migration, discrimination, and resilience found in Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen literature
- Guest speakers
- Traditional languages and dialects – Romani language
- Word origins – Investigate English words with Romani origins. For example, “pal” (meaning brother) comes from the Romani word “phral.”
- Biographies
- Create poems inspired by Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen culture, traditions, and history
- Author study – Richard O’Neill
- Drama – Crystal’s Vardo
- Multimedia Presentations: Assign students to create multimedia presentations (videos, slideshows, etc.) about Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen culture
- Analyse stereotypes associated with Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen communities in literature, media, and society
- Debunking Myths: Challenge misconceptions by presenting accurate information about Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen heritage.
- Traditional oral stories
Maths
- Budgeting
- Profit/loss
- Distance
- Geometric patterns in traditional crafts
- Navigation techniques
Geography
- Nomadism
- Journeys – by Vardo, waterways
- Different types of homes – trailer, boat
- Roma flag
- People who travel for work – showmen
- People who live and work in the local area
History
- Investigate famous people from Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen backgrounds. Learn about their achievements and contributions. Examples include Charlie Chaplin, Bob Hoskins, Elvis Presley, and David Essex OBE.
- The Gypsy holocaust
- Pilgrimages
- Customs
PSHE
- Identity
- Anti-bullying
- Human rights and Equality
- Understanding Stereotyping and prejudice
- Cultural awareness including customs
- Activism
- Community engagement
- Grattan Puxon – Roma Civil Rights
Design & Technology
Discuss the cultural significance and technical skills involved:
- Embroidery
- Metalwork
- Wood carving
- Designing Vardos/trailers
- Designing funfair rides
- Sustainable materials
- Designing portable and culturally sensitive housing for nomadic communities
Art
- Patterns used on Vardos/Royal Crown Derby
- Pottery
- Weaving/basket weaving
- Embroidery
- Traditional flower craft
- Artist study – Gabi Jimenez, Delaine Le Bas
Music
- Balkan Gypsy music
- Hungarian Gypsy Music
Film and Media
- Watch Documentaries: Screen documentaries or films that highlight Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen culture, history, and challenges
- Film Analysis: Discuss the portrayal of Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen characters in movies and TV shows. Are they accurate or perpetuating stereotypes?
Resources
- Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen teaching resources – Support for schools and settings (devon.gov.uk)
- The Norfolk Education Service have put together a collection of resources about different aspects of Traveller culture, suitable for children in Key Stages 1, 2 and 3. These are free to download.
- About Crystal’s Vardo – Friends, Families and Travellers (gypsy-traveller.org)
Useful websites and contacts
DCC EDEAS home page
GRTS advisory teacher: ellen.tout@devon.gov.uk
Sign up to the EDEAS newsletter
Consultancy, training, and workshops: Devon Education Services Shop