As part of BCVA’s Arts Council England-funded work with communities, a new Key Stage 3 educational workbookexploring Punjabi migration to the Black Country has been developed for use with students aged 11–14.
Created in partnership with Professor Gil Pasternak at De Montfort University, the workbook draws on the growing photographic archive and oral histories gathered through BCVA’s heritage projects. The publication represents an important step in bringing the stories and contributions of Punjabi communities into educational contexts across the region.
The project involved a series of pilot sessions with pupils at Heath Park High School, as well as contributions from students at Dudley College, who supported the development of the learning materials alongside BCVA and project partners.
The resulting 25-page workbook, with an initial print run of 300 copies, introduces students to the history of Punjabi migration to the Black Country and highlights the role these communities have played in shaping the region during the post-war period. Using photographs and archive materials from the collection, the workbook encourages young people to explore themes of migration, identity and heritage through visual storytelling and historical reflection.
BCVA would like to extend sincere thanks to Professor Gil Pasternak, whose dedication and expertise were instrumental in bringing this educational resource to life. His ongoing support and guidance continue to play an important role in helping develop and strengthen the archive and its educational impact.
We are excited to see how the workbook will support teachers and students in learning about the region’s diverse histories, and we look forward to sharing further developments from this work in the future.
Professor Gil Pasternak and with BCVA Pilot workshop with Heath Park High School in Wolverhampton Key stage 3 pupils. Apna Heritage Archive ACE funded project and workbooks funded by partnership with De Montfort University and UKRI. (Photo courtesy of Heath Park High School)