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Primary Schools Resource Pack

Colourful Heritage is an organisation dedicated to capturing, celebrating and inspiring others in the history of the immense contribution of South Asian migrants and Muslims to Scotland over the past century. Colourful Heritage, together with Glasgow Museums, have created a primary school’s resource pack to highlight the contribution of the South Asian community to Glasgow and Scotland. The material curated in the pack provides a unique insight to both World War 1 & 2 and the story of Force K6 – Indian Punjabi Muslim soldiers, in Scotland. It also illustrates Scotland’s South Asian contribution to entrepreneurship, political participation and Glasgow’s multicultural history as well as South Asian migration and how their identity has been shaped. Explore the key features of this unique story in the following resource pack, consisting of 5 units specially designed for Primary 6 and 7. Richly illustrated and complete with case studies, suggested lesson plans, discussion points and options for further reading, they each provide a self-contained learning unit, and a fantastic opportunity to teach children about a lesser-studied element of Scottish culture.

This webpage is designed for teachers and for educationalists.

Aims/Purpose of the Pack:
  • Introduce pupils to the work of Colourful Heritage, who for the first time in Scottish history have collated information on the contributions of the South Asian population to Scotland.
  • Highlight the theme of War and the contribution of the British Indian soldiers to World War I and World War II, a narrative which is largely forgotten in our history books taught in schools.
  • Provides a unique insight into Glasgow’s South Asian history and contribution.

The Primary School’s Resource Pack consists of five units

Click on each unit to download:

Unit 1

During World War 1, when Britain went to war with Germany, nearly 2.5 million men from across Britain’s colonies volunteered to help the nation’s war effort. This comprehensive resource pack details the contribution of the 1.5 million soldiers from India, modern day Pakistan and Bangladesh, who travelled to Europe’s battlegrounds to help win the Great War, including the story of Khudadad Khan VC who was the first South Asian to be awarded the Victoria Cross for his exceptional bravery. A self-contained unit packed with interactive tools, beautiful photographs and detailed lesson and activity plans, illustrating the lesser-known side of an iconic moment in British history.

Unit 1

During World War 1, when Britain went to war with Germany, nearly 2.5 million men from across Britain’s colonies volunteered to help the nation’s war effort. This comprehensive resource pack details the contribution of the 1.5 million soldiers from India, modern day Pakistan and Bangladesh, who travelled to Europe’s battlegrounds to help win the Great War, including the story of Khudadad Khan VC who was the first South Asian to be awarded the Victoria Cross for his exceptional bravery. A self-contained unit packed with interactive tools, beautiful photographs and detailed lesson and activity plans, illustrating the lesser-known side of an iconic moment in British history.

Unit 2

During World War 2, Force K6 was a regiment of one thousand seven hundred and twenty-three Punjabi Muslim men sent from India to help the British in the Second World War. After being evacuated from Dunkirk, many spent time stationed in Scotland, where they became honorary members of communities across the highlands. This resource pack details the experiences of men in Force K6 and the Scottish communities they left a mark on. It also includes the story of Isobel Harling, the Kingussie resident who tended the graves of Force K6 soldiers for over 70 years who has been awarded the British Empire Medal in 2020 for her contribution and Naik Gian Singh VC, who was awarded the Victoria Cross medal for his exceptional bravery which remains with his son in Glasgow.

Unit 2

During World War 2, Force K6 was a regiment of one thousand seven hundred and twenty-three Punjabi Muslim men sent from India to help the British in the Second World War. After being evacuated from Dunkirk, many spent time stationed in Scotland, where they became honorary members of communities across the highlands. This resource pack details the experiences of men in Force K6 and the Scottish communities they left a mark on. It also includes the story of Isobel Harling, the Kingussie resident who tended the graves of Force K6 soldiers for over 70 years who has been awarded the British Empire Medal in 2020 for her contribution and Naik Gian Singh VC, who was awarded the Victoria Cross medal for his exceptional bravery which remains with his son in Glasgow.

Unit 3

From around the 1920s to now, South Asian migration to Scotland can be characterised by one thing above all else: a spirit of entrepreneurship. In the 1920s and 30s, many men from India and today’s Pakistan built careers in Scotland as door-to-door pedlars, re-emerging after WWII to become the lifeblood of many communities worn down by rationing. Later, new generations of male and pioneering female migrants seized opportunities for bigger business: establishing factories, warehouses, restaurants and convenience stores in Scotland’s towns and cities. Richly illustrated and complete with case studies, suggested lesson plans, discussion points and options for further reading, explore the key points of this unique history in this resource pack designed for Primary 6 and 7.

Unit 3

From around the 1920s to now, South Asian migration to Scotland can be characterised by one thing above all else: a spirit of entrepreneurship. In the 1920s and 30s, many men from India and today’s Pakistan built careers in Scotland as door-to-door pedlars, re-emerging after WWII to become the lifeblood of many communities worn down by rationing. Later, new generations of male and pioneering female migrants seized opportunities for bigger business: establishing factories, warehouses, restaurants and convenience stores in Scotland’s towns and cities. Richly illustrated and complete with case studies, suggested lesson plans, discussion points and options for further reading, explore the key points of this unique history in this resource pack designed for Primary 6 and 7.

Unit 4

From bus conducting to door-to-door sales, many in Scotland's South Asian community have spent careers at the heart of their communities. Perhaps that’s why, over the years, they have produced so many influential voices in Scottish politics: from MSPs, to Justices of the Peace, members of the police force to members of the House of Lords. In this interactive resource pack you’ll find everything you need to know about these political trailblazers from past and present. Broken down into useful case studies, timelines and activities designed especially for Primary 6 and 7, it’s a perfect talking point for any lesson on Scottish politics and citizenship.

Unit 4

From bus conducting to door-to-door sales, many in Scotland's South Asian community have spent careers at the heart of their communities. Perhaps that’s why, over the years, they have produced so many influential voices in Scottish politics: from MSPs, to Justices of the Peace, members of the police force to members of the House of Lords. In this interactive resource pack you’ll find everything you need to know about these political trailblazers from past and present. Broken down into useful case studies, timelines and activities designed especially for Primary 6 and 7, it’s a perfect talking point for any lesson on Scottish politics and citizenship.

Unit 5

For over 300 years, there have been waves of people from all over South Asia arriving on Scotland’s shores to build new lives. From the earliest Indian Lascars, to refugees fleeing Uganda, to modern schoolchildren in Glasgow learning English as a second language: what does it mean to have a Scottish identity, and a South Asian one? In this resource pack for Primary 6 and 7, discover some of the amazing ways South Asian Scots have worked over the years to preserve their heritage while embracing new ways of life. Packed with illustrations, personal interviews and plenty of carefully planned lesson ideas, this self-contained unit on the South Asian-Scotland migration story is an inspiring narrative of community, identity and tolerance children will carry with them for years to come.

Unit 5

For over 300 years, there have been waves of people from all over South Asia arriving on Scotland’s shores to build new lives. From the earliest Indian Lascars, to refugees fleeing Uganda, to modern schoolchildren in Glasgow learning English as a second language: what does it mean to have a Scottish identity, and a South Asian one? In this resource pack for Primary 6 and 7, discover some of the amazing ways South Asian Scots have worked over the years to preserve their heritage while embracing new ways of life. Packed with illustrations, personal interviews and plenty of carefully planned lesson ideas, this self-contained unit on the South Asian-Scotland migration story is an inspiring narrative of community, identity and tolerance children will carry with them for years to come.

NEW Resource: Sikhs in Scotland

The Sikh faith-based community has been present in Scotland for over a century and a half. The first documented Sikh, Maharajah Duleep Singh arrived in Perthshire in 1855 when he resided at Castle Menzies in Aberfeldy. Glasgow now has the most significant Sikh population in Scotland with nearly 20,000 Sikhs, and their stories are tremendous. Read our new 'Sikhs in Scotland' to catch a glimpse of the Sikh community and their achievements.
The Sikh faith-based community has been present in Scotland for over a century and a half. The first documented Sikh, Maharajah Duleep Singh arrived in Perthshire in 1855 when he resided at Castle Menzies in Aberfeldy. Glasgow now has the most significant Sikh population in Scotland with nearly 20,000 Sikhs, and their stories are tremendous. Read our new 'Sikhs in Scotland' to catch a glimpse of the Sikh community and their achievements.

Contents of Each Unit:

  • Detailed teacher notes for each topic which can be used to plan the lesson. The information for these notes has been collated through existing content at the GlaswegAsians exhibition, reference books, case studies taken from the Colourful Heritage oral interviews and online sources.
  • Clickable links in the teacher’s notes and case studies that give access to short videos, full video interviews and website access.
  • Suggested lesson plans.
  • Extension tasks and discussion points
  • Guidance on how to plan a practical, fun activity that links in with the information that the teachers have taught pupils.
  • Written pupil activity sheets for each topic can be given to pupils, encouraged to find the answers either through what has been taught in class or through their own research (with QR code for easy downloading).
  • Definitions page (with QR code for easy downloading).
  • References (with clickable links)

The Primary Schools pack is targeted for Primary 6 and 7 pupils. It addresses Level 2 Curriculum for Excellence. The curriculum outcomes are as stated below:

  • Social Studies (SOC 2-02a, 2-03a, 2-04a, 2-06a, 2-16a, 2-16b, 2-16c, 2-22a)
  • Religious and Moral Education (RME 2-07a)
  • Literacy and English (LIT 2-02a, 2-05a, 2-06a, 2-24a, 2-26a, 2-28a)
  • Art and Design (EXA 2-03a)
  • Health and Wellbeing (HWB 2-34a)
  • Technologies (TCH 2-02a)

Creation of the Primary Schools Resource Pack

Schools pilot study (September – December 2019)

With the help of Glasgow City Council’s Education Department, we successfully piloted the first two units which relate to the British Indian Army and their contribution in World War 1 (Unit 1) and World War 2 (Unit 2) which highlights the specific connection of a regiment called Force K6 that escaped from Dunkirk and their time in Scotland.

The pilot was conducted in 10 primary schools within Glasgow during the remembrance period from September 2019 to December 2019 and the teacher’s feedback was incorporated to create Edition 2 for both Units 1 & 2.

Some of the activities the children from these schools participated in are shown below, along with the teacher’s feedback and endorsements.

St Mary’s Primary School

Display of Knowledge for Unit 2 (WW2 & Force K6)

St. Mary’s Primary School invited Colourful Heritage and parents of pupils to watch their performance at the ‘Display of Knowledge’ morning by the P6 & P7 children at the end of November 2019. It was humbling to see the work of our newly created teachers resource pack being used to put together an amazing show all about Force K6 by the pupils themselves.

The pupils performed a role play of Reporting Scotland news report from the Inaugural remembrance service held by Colourful Heritage in November 2018 and posed as journalists interviewing CH staff and Kingussie locals.

They also hosted a ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ style quiz with parent volunteers as well, listing facts about Force K6 and the British Indian Army.

They also displayed letters they had written posing as Force K6 soldiers (which is one of the suggested activities in Unit 2) which they even stained with tea to make the letters look old!

The performance finished by all parents and guests being served Indian snacks to end the session.

Colourful Heritage would like to say a special thanks to the teachers at St. Mary’s primary for all their hard work in teaching the material and helping the children put together a fabulous performance on Force K6.

Pupils Activity Letters for Unit 2 (WW2 & Force K6)

A fantastic collection of letters written by P6 & P7 pupils from St Mary’s primary arrived at Colourful Heritage offices on 28th Nov 2019.

The letters are a combination of thanking Colourful Heritage for putting together a school’s resource booklet on Force K6 and for attending their fabulous show about everything they had learnt about World War 2 and Force K6 and finally posing as Force K6 soldiers themselves, writing a letter home on their experience of being at war.

One of the pupils wrote a special letter to Isobel Harling thanking her for looking after the 9 graves in Kingussie cemetery for over 70 years.

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A superb collection of letters written by P7 pupils from Broomhill Primary arrived at Colourful Heritage offices on 9th January 2020.

The pupils posed as Force K6 soldiers themselves from World War 2 whilst based in Scotland writing a letter home on their experience of life in the Scottish Highlands away from home and the duties they were involved in on a daily basis.

letters 6
letters 7
letters 9

Feedback & Endorsements

Engagement Reports
Teachers feedback
“

The children really enjoyed learning about the South Asian soldiers and in particular the letter writing activity as Force K6 soldiers. They have worked hard to create the ‘Display of Knowledge’ show including researching the Colourful Heritage videos to the Kingussie trip and learning more about the Force K6 graves and Isobel Harling who looked after the graves. I would definitely use the resource booklets 1 and 2 again as they were easy to follow with great pictures.

Peter Lacombre (P7 class teacher), St Mary's PrimaryUnit 2
“

Thank you for sharing this resource. In future, I will incorporate it into our War and Conflict topic.
Thank you once again for the opportunity to take part and for sharing these inspiring and historical stories.

Aileen Wallace (P6/7 class teacher), St Mary's PrimaryUnit 2
“

As a practitioner, it was a refreshing perspective on the WW2 conflict and a unique chance to investigate Allied soldiers of different religions, races and cultures. The pupils in my class very much enjoyed the activities provided within the module. It is a resource that I will most definitely use again in future years.

Mr. Lewis Mills (P7a class teacher), Broomhill Primary SchoolUnit 2
“

There were at least 6 lessons in both unit 1 & 2 with loads of information. There is a high percentage of ESOL students at Thornwood Primary, and the content of the units was accessible for all these pupils. My class loved all the images that were incorporated and a full lesson can be taught using just the photographs provided.

I thoroughly enjoyed teaching this and it sparked lively discussion within my class.
Our class discussed why so few people know about the huge sacrifice that the British Indian Army made.

Ms Ferguson (P7 class teacher), Thornwood Primary SchoolUnit 1 and 2
“

Overall I enjoyed teaching both units and it kept the children fully engaged and interested. They loved the images in the booklets.

(P6 class teacher), Lorne St PrimaryUnit 1 and 2
“

The unit pack was excellent.

Toni Brown (P6 class teacher), Cleeves PrimaryUnit 2
Teachers endorsements
“

I found that delivering unit 1 and 2 of the Colourful Heritage programme as part of my children's WW2 Social Studies project allowed us to investigate cultural, racial and religious diversity in WW2 soldiers. This was not always an aspect of this period in history that I had found easy to plan lessons for myself. The children enjoyed hearing about the journey that the Force K6 soldiers undertook and their consequential evacuation from Dunkirk. This inspired excellent reflections of learning in the form of Force K6 letters (a lesson taken directly from the teacher resource pack).
I thoroughly recommend this resource to teachers looking to expand on an existing history project, investigate the events of WW2 from a new perspective or simply undertake a short series of lessons with a related focus.

Broomhill Primary
“

The contents of the package were very comprehensive and provided a fantastic source to work from. The best thing that about the Units was the inclusion of the videos. These really brought the subject to life by making tangible links to real people and places.
The children enjoyed learning about a different aspect of WW1 & 2 and in particular found the link between the Scottish Highlands and Force K6 fascinating.

I would use this resource again and would recommend it to other schools as an opportunity to explore our rich and diverse history.

Thornwood Primary

Other Work in Schools

2018/2019

Colourful Heritage and Glasgow Museums Schools Engagement (High Schools and Primary Schools)

Colourful Heritage has successfully engaged with a number of schools since November 2018 through visits by specialist historians, by delivering workshops on identity and taking part in Diversity days. Over 1500+ pupils have had the opportunity to learn about the importance of our shared history and question preconceived ideas on identity.

If you would like us to work with your school please contact us.

Download the 2018-2019 full report
2020/2021

Colourful Heritage British Indian Army: Schools Engagement

In 2020 we launched our ‘Digital Schools Resource Pack’ for school teachers to give lessons to their pupils from Unit 1 & 2 in order to learn about the contribution of the BIA from South Asia who all fought together in WW1 & WW2 for Britain. This report looks at some feedback and responses we received from schools themselves. Take a look!

Download the full report

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