Black History Month 2024

Our school embarked on an exciting educational journey to celebrate Black History Month, filled with activities and events honouring the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black individuals. From engaging treasure hunts to inspiring guest speakers, each event aimed to educate and inspire our students.

We took an academically stimulating approach, incorporating student feedback from last year’s Black History Month to create bespoke sessions for each year group. The celebration of blackness must permeate the curriculum, extracurricular activities, and school culture year-round, but Black History Month provides a special opportunity to spotlight Black excellence and celebrate our Black students’ cultural heritage.

Here’s a detailed look at all the wonderful things we did during Black History Month.

Black History Treasure Hunt

The treasure hunt was a tremendous success. Designed to engage students with the invaluable contributions of Black individuals, the event saw enthusiastic participation from students of all ages. The treasure hunt featured a series of clues and activities that led students around the school, learning about significant historical milestones of the Black British community.

“We were not only having fun but also gaining a deeper understanding of Black British individuals” Jayla-Bre (Year 7).

Year 7 Roots and Heritage

A group of Black Year 7 students created posters to represent their roots and heritage using information and images they researched with their parents and careers. Their creative work was displayed for everyone to learn and enjoy.

Year 8 Poetry Slam

Miss Fletcher led a creative writing workshop for students. Each student crafted their own individual poems, exploring themes of identity, culture, and history.

“We read powerful poems, including ‘Thirteen’ by Caleb Femi, which sparked a discussion about growing up and the Black experience. It was a great experience to share with my fellow students” Fatou (Year 10)

Here is the poem Fatou in Year 10 created:

In chains of darkness, a spirit did shine,  

A story of struggle, a warrior’s dream.  

From fields of sorrow, where hope seemed to die.  

History rises, a testament to the sky.  

Harriet Tubman, a conductor on the secret line,  

Leading souls to freedom, a mission divine.  

Martin Luther King Jr., a voice that echoed through the land,  

For justice and equality, he took a stand.