Making the Most of Black History Month in UK Secondary Schools
Reading age: 18
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Intended audience: Educators
Author: Gareth Campbell
It's that time of year again. The air is crisp and the leaves are falling. But have you ever considered how this time of year can be used to make your classroom more inclusive?
Secondary schools across the country are stepping up to celebrate Black History Month this October with a range of activities and events to encourage young people to explore and celebrate Black excellence. Each October is an unmissable opportunity for schools to engage their communities of students, parents/guardians, governors, and local organisations with unsung landmarks in Black history, complementing Britain's wider efforts to improve equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in education.
Collaboration is Key
Black History Month is a time to recognise and value the contributions that Black people have made to British way of life.
From Mary Seacole to Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock there are limitless stories to be told. It must however be recognised that when it comes to teaching students about these figures' accomplishments, not all teachers have the same confidence levels. While some may be able to plan engaging lessons that keep students interested and inspired, others might struggle to find a starting place. It is unfortunately all too easy to leave it to staff members with protected characteristics to take up the slack when it comes to planning lessons, displays and events. An effective anti-racist ally can make a huge impact by making and sharing resources as widely as possible to maximise the feeling of representation amongst students whilst minimising the burden on staff members. Buy in from leaders is also key to the success of EDI. Making EDI part of department and school improvement plans and ensuring that these efforts are part of directed time is a key factor in the longevity and efficacy of inclusive education.
Beyond Black History Month
It is important for all young people to learn about the rich cultural heritage of Britain and how it has been shaped by successive generations of people from different backgrounds. By exploring different cultures, young people will gain an understanding of and rejoice in others’ beliefs as well as their own, which can help them become more confident members of society in later life. Learning about Black history is also important within the context of British history, since it highlights aspects such as slavery and colonisation that have shaped our country today and continue to have an impact on our curricula.
Schools have a pivotal role in shaping our next generation. Educators must pledge to seek to be better. Our curricula can always improve. Our language can always be more inclusive. While Black History Month is an important date in all our calendars, it cannot stop there. Tell your students what you are working on to make you school a safer place where everyone feels they can achieve. Listen to student feedback. Make changes to your curriculum.
Throughout Black History Month, British schools have an opportunity to engage with Black culture and success in an informative and collaborative way. By providing resources and education tools for students, teachers and parents, schools can help make sure that all year round everyone understands what it means to be Black and proud.
Explore and download our free Black History Month S.T.E.A.M. lesson resources here.
About the author:
Gareth is MoSAIC’s founder and works part time as a secondary school teacher in Bristol
Gareth is currently reading: ‘The Polymath’ by Waqas Ahmed