Teaching Black History
By embedding Black history as part of our curriculum, we aim to "improve a sense of identity in every young person in the UK through an education that adequately represents the full picture of British history, including Black people’s contributions to the nation." The Black Curriculum "By embedding Black British History and increasing the overall racial literacy of a school and its environment, Black British history will not be delivered in a tokenistic or meaningless way. Embedded learning allows students to see representation in all aspects of their education, allowing for a greater sense of identity and belonging for young people as well as enhancing the overall practice of staff on a day to day basis."Our half-termly heroes are designed to allow the children to experience a range of icons who have contributed positively to Britain and across the world. Teachers ensure they embed books with empowering and diverse characters into the English curriculum. We seek to broaden the narrative of traditional Black history, taught in schools and endeavour to search for relevant British Black historians, geographers, artists and scientists to complement our teaching. Our aim is that our children will leave primary school with a rich understanding of Black history. We are continually developing our curriculum to better meet the needs of our children - we truly would appreciate any guidance from parents or members of the community.
Please find a selection of our curriculum;
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Art based on work by Neo-Expressionist artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
Art based on work by Neo-Expressionist artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
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Visit to the October Gallery to learn about the artwork of Eddy Kamuanga Ilunga
Visit to the October Gallery to learn about the artwork of Eddy Kamuanga Ilunga
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All teaching staff receive training in Teaching British Black History - run by The Black Curriculum.
All teaching staff receive training in Teaching British Black History - run by The Black Curriculum.
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Researching writer, composer, shopkeeper and abolitionist, Ignatius Sancho.
Researching writer, composer, shopkeeper and abolitionist, Ignatius Sancho.
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Music and storytelling based around the traditional West African story of Anansi the spider.
Music and storytelling based around the traditional West African story of Anansi the spider.
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Half Term Heroes: Rashford, Saka and Sterling.
Half Term Heroes: Rashford, Saka and Sterling.
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Art based around the work of British, Turner Prize-winning painter, Chris Olifi
Art based around the work of British, Turner Prize-winning painter, Chris Olifi
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Learning about the jazz singer, Ella Fitzgerald.
Learning about the jazz singer, Ella Fitzgerald.
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Researching Nelson Mandela and apartheid
Researching Nelson Mandela and apartheid
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Celebrating International Afternoon, performing songs from many cultures and countries.
Celebrating International Afternoon, performing songs from many cultures and countries.
Black History Month
We celebrate Black History Month each year. This month allows us to recognise and value the inspirational individuals and events that have shaped the black generation in the United Kingdom. During Black History Month, we remember and celebrate important people from the past and also those who contribute to and help our society today. The aims of Black History Month are to promote knowledge of black history, culture and heritage. It is also an opportunity to share information on positive black contributions to British society.
This year, we are focusing on celebrating Black women, with the theme #SalutingOurSisters. We started the month off by learning about Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, who is the Church of England's first black female bishop. Bishop Rose was born and raised in Jamacia and a child of the Windrush generation. Bishop Rose always knew she had a calling to serve in the church, however she was raised in a time when women were not allowed to serve in such positions. Bishop Rose is an inspiration to us because she rose up against the barriers that were against her.
The children have been asked to nominate a heroic black woman this month to feature on our website and social media platforms. Could it be you?
International Afternoon
We love celebrate with our community during Black History Month. We host an International Afternoon, in which children are invited to wear traditional clothes from their heritage. They can also dress in the colours of their flag. We host a concert and then come together to share in food as a community.
Ruby's Reads
We invited Ruby's Reads, a black owned book business, to come and display their books for sale at our International Afternoon.