October marks Black History Month, which has been recognised in the UK since 1987. This year’s national theme is “Honouring Our Communities”. It asks us to recognise Black and Mixed Heritage people whose work, courage and care have shaped Britain, from figures in the history books to people serving their local communities today.
In Monday’s assembly, we discussed a wide range of people, including John Blanke, a trumpeter at the court of Henry VIII more than 500 years ago; Walter Tull, one of England’s first Black professional footballers and later an army officer; Mary Seacole, who cared for soldiers in the Crimean War; Dr Paul Stephenson, who led the 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott, which helped bring about the first UK Race Relations Act; and author Malorie Blackman, who went on to become Children’s Laureate.
Over half term, the children are invited to take part in our next research challenge, linked to Black History Month. The task is to create a short presentation about a Black or Mixed Heritage person who has made a positive difference to their community. Children can choose someone from the assembly or someone they have found for themselves, from the past or the present, famous or local.
The assembly slides and the challenge sheet are on Teams in each child’s Global team. Excellent projects can earn a Merit Certificate, and exceptional ones a Head’s Distinction.
We look forward to seeing what the children discover and create!
