Catherine Bickersteth
Primary History Associate Consultant, NASBTT
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) History Month in June each year celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of GRT communities in Britain. It promotes inclusion, challenges stereotypes, and supports pupils to understand the diversity of British history. Over 1 in 100 people in the UK are from Romany Gypsy, Roma and Irish Traveller communities. Romany Gypsies originally came to Britain from north-west India, a fact supported by their distinct language. Their tradition of moving from place to place has sparked numerous theories and led society to form various perspectives about their lifestyle.
When planning including GRT history in school curricula it is important to be aware of how this may impact on pupils, consider questions that may arise, and misconceptions that need to be prepared for. There is useful guidance on how to approach GRT history on this webpage which offers clear and insightful guidance on how to approach Gypsy, Roma and Traveller history month for teaching and learning. To sum up, do not treat Gypsy, Roma and Traveller peoples as a homogenous group; avoid stereotyping and do consider the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller pupils in your class, whether or not you are aware of their presence.
On 1 July 2020 the Council of Europe (of which the UK is a member) set out seven ‘Principles and proposed actions for including the history of Roma and/or Travellers in school curricula and teaching materials’.
National Resources for Primary Schools
Friends, Families and Travellers
The education pack for GRTHM including timelines, lesson ideas, stories and suggestions for how to further develop the subjects covered in the wider school curriculum and school community.
Suggested Classroom Activities
- Explore GRT timelines and key historical events.
- Read stories and picturebooks featuring GRT characters and cultures.
- Learn simple Romani or Cant words. See the resource here
- Create artwork inspired by GRT traditions (e.g., wagons, patterns, storytelling).
- Use enquiry questions – see examples bellow
- Link to themes: belonging, respect, identity, and challenging stereotypes.
Why It Matters
- Supports the Equality Act 2010 and inclusive curriculum aims.
- Builds understanding of one of the most historically marginalised groups in the UK.
- Helps pupils recognise the diversity of British history and culture.
- Encourages positive relationships and belonging for GRT pupils and families.
Suggested enquiry questions for teaching Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History
Key Stage 1 Enquiry Questions
- Homes, Journeys and Belonging
- What makes a place feel like home?
- How have Traveller families lived in different homes over time?
- Why do some people like to travel, and why do others like to stay in one place?
- People and Stories
- Who are Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people and what stories do they tell?
- How are GRT traditions similar to or different from my own family’s traditions?
- What can we learn from people who live in different ways?
- Change Over Time
- How has life for Traveller families changed in past 50 or 100 years?
- What objects from the past help us understand Traveller life?
- How have animals been important to local traveller communities ?
- Local History
- What Traveller history can we find in our local area?
- Why have fairs and markets been important to Traveller communities?
Lower Key Stage 2 Enquiry Questions
Questions that deepen chronological understanding and introduce cause, consequence and evidence.
- Migration and Movement
- Where have Roma people lived in the past around the world?
- Why did Roma people first come to Britain?
- What makes people move from one place to another?
- Continuity and Change
- What has stayed the same in Traveller culture and what has changed?
- How have laws and rules affected Traveller families over time?
- Evidence and Interpretation
- How do we know what Traveller life was like in the past?
- Whose voices are missing from the history books, and why?
- Local and National Connections
- How have Travellers contributed to life in Britain?
- What can local fairs and festivals tell us about Traveller history ?
Upper Key Stage 2 Enquiry Questions
More complex questions that support critical thinking, significance and diversity within British history.
- Identity, Culture and Representation
- How has the identity of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people been shaped by history?
- Why are some histories more visible than others?
- Rights, Laws and Society
- How have laws changed the lives of Traveller families across history?
- What does fairness mean when we look at the history of GRT communities?
- Migration and Global Connections
- How does the story of Roma origins in India help us understand migration today?
- How is the history of GRT people connected to wider world history?
- Significance and Contribution
- What contributions have GRT communities made to British culture, music, craft and storytelling?
- Challenging Stereotypes
- How can history help us challenge stereotypes about GRT people?
- What happens when a group’s history is misunderstood or ignored?
Books for teaching history
Books suitable for primary aged children can provide an engaging way to start a topic, tell real stories or provide visual stimuli and promote curiosity.
In this clip, the writer Richard O’Neill speaks about the importance of having books which provide an insight into the culture of the diverse GRT communities for children. He sums up beautifully the impact that books can have on children, how stories can answer many questions for children and why it is important for everyone to be able to read these stories.
These recommendations are just an initial guide; teachers can find plenty of booklists online to help them choose texts that fit their historical investigations.
A Different Kind of Freedom: A Romani Story Richard O’Neill. Interest age: 9 to 11 Reading age: 7+
The Can Caravan Top of FormBottom of Form Richard O’Neill Illustrated by Cindy Kang. Interest age:4- 9
Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller history is essential for primary schools because it helps to challenge stereotypes, promote inclusion, and ensure all children see themselves reflected in the curriculum. This history can be woven into history teaching throughout the school year, supporting a richer and more diverse understanding of the past, rather than being confined to a single awareness month.
Resource links and additional research:
Friends, Families and Travellers
Historical Association resources
Council of Europe – Roma and Travellers
The Centre for Education and Youth
Bath and North East Somerset Libraries. Book list
Richard O’ Neill – interview