Every October, Black History Month is a time to recognise and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black people in Britain and around the world. Across our Boys’ Prep and Girls’ Prep, pupils have been doing just that, through assemblies, workshops and classroom learning designed to spark curiosity, conversation and pride.
Stories and journeys at the Girls’ Prep
At the Girls’ Prep, celebrations began with assemblies on Monday 5 October, followed by a week of workshops. Our youngest girls, from Reception to Year 2, took part in Stories from Africa, a workshop exploring stories from across the continent.
On Friday 9 October, girls in Years 3 to 6 joined Quest for the Windrush. The workshop explored the journey of the Windrush generation, who travelled from the Caribbean to help rebuild Britain after the Second World War, and the lasting contribution they and their families have made to British life.
Role models and real stories at the Boys’ Prep
At the Boys’ Prep, Black History Month was celebrated over two weeks. In Key Stage 1, boys learned about influential people including Levi Roots, whose story shows how creativity, confidence and perseverance can help turn dreams into reality, and Sir Lewis Hamilton, whose career shows what hard work, confidence and determination can help us achieve.
In Key Stage 2, the Head Boy Team launched the celebrations with a special assembly on Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, one of Britain’s leading space scientists and science communicators. Mr Temlett’s Monday assembly explored Black communities and the significant contributions they have made, and continue to make, to British society. Across the fortnight, boys also learned about influential Black individuals and communities from the Tudor and Victorian eras through their classroom studies.
Representation all year round
Black History Month gives us a valuable opportunity to put particular focus on these stories, but it is not the only time we tell them. Across both Prep Schools, our curriculum continues to evolve so that it is diverse, representative and reflective of the many cultures, experiences and contributions that have shaped our world.
When children see themselves in the stories they learn, they feel they belong. When they learn about lives different from their own, they grow in curiosity, empathy and respect, values that sit at the heart of both our Prep Schools.
Thank you to our staff, the Head Boy and Head Girl Teams and every pupil who helped make this Black History Month so memorable. The month continues until the end of October, and families who would like to keep the conversation going at home will find exhibitions, talks and family events taking place across London and Surrey over half-term.
