This Week’s Theme: The Jarrow March – 90 Years of Peaceful Protest

Monday, 5th October marks 90 years since the historic Jarrow March began. During the 1930s, Jarrow suffered severe unemployment and poverty following the closure of Palmer’s shipyard in 1934, leaving around 70% of the town’s workforce without work.

On 5th October 1936, 200 men set off on a 300-mile journey to London carrying a petition for Parliament to bring industry and jobs back to their town. Although it did not bring an immediate solution, the march became an enduring national symbol of community strength, dignity, and peaceful protest.

Mentor Group Activities & Focus Points

Big Question Discussion: Using the main assembly slide, pupils will consider: “Would you walk 300 miles to be listened to?” Groups will reflect on the determination and sacrifices made by the marchers.
Exploring Community Impact: Classes will discuss key questions around industrial heritage and civic action:
- What happens to a community when its biggest employer closes?
- Why did the men choose to march together rather than act individually?
- What peaceful methods can we use today to campaign for positive change?
Information Videos: Mentor groups will watch short clips detailing the history and journey of the 1936 Jarrow Crusade (The Jarrow March | History – Exploring the Past: Protest and The Jarrow Crusade | 1936).
Bubble Map Activity: Students will complete a descriptive bubble map summarizing core themes of the Jarrow March, focusing on key terms such as 70% Unemployment, 300-Mile Journey, Petition, Dignified, and Community Strength.