From the 1st- 31st October, we as a school celebrate Black History Month. This is an opportunity for the boys to learn about influential black people throughout history. As a school, we believe this is important for our boys to learn about as it enables them to develop a better understanding of the world we live in. Building knowledge and understanding of historical events and trends, enables the boys to develop a much greater appreciation for today's current events. Although we take part in celebrating Black History Month we also continue to learn about the important contributions of Black people to Britain all year round within our PSHE and RE curriculum.
Year 7 are currently learning about contributions to the music and film industry. We are looking specifically at Nottinghill Carnival and the Marvel Oscar winner Black Panther, paying our respects to Chadwick Boseman. Black Panther has been called a groundbreaking celebration of black culture and much more than a superhero's journey. The image of black panther represents bravery, excellence and black culture.
Year 8 will be studying amazing scientists, mathematicians and sporting heroes. We will be watching Hidden figures, the untold story of three African- American, female mathematicians who helped win the Space Race as they dealt with sexism and racism from their colleagues and society. As hidden figures is a true story it provides the boys with an engaging way of learning about influential Black Women.
Year 9 are looking at Harriet Tubman and the history behind Black History Month. They will be watching the film 'Harriet' as a way of learning about Harriet Tubman's incredible story to freedom. She was an American abolitionist and political activist. Born into slavery she escaped and made further missions to rescue others. She also served as an armed scout an spy for the Union Army in the American Civil War and later was an activist in the movement for Women's suffrage.
Year 10 and 11 are learning about British Black History and ordering events in chronological order creating large timelines. Particular focus is paid to the story of Dido Elizabeth Belle who was a British heiress. Her mother was born into slavery and her father was Sir John Lindsey a British naval officer who took Belle with him when he returned to England in 1765 after her mothers death. Pupils are also looking at the Tudor era, WW1 and and the positive impact of the Windrush generation after WW2.
