Our students have taken part in a range of exciting activities to learn about influential Black people who have helped shape history, culture and society.
A focus in some classes was Rosa Parks. Students learned about her life and the unfair treatment she experienced because of the colour of her skin. Through discussion, drama and film, students explored important themes such as equality, respect and standing up for what is right. In a role-play activity, they sat on a pretend bus and experienced what it might have felt like to be asked to give up their seat, helping them develop empathy and understanding of Rosa Parks’ experiences.
Students also learned about Martin Luther King Jr., discovering his important role in promoting equality and civil rights. They explored the lives of both leaders and reflected on how their courage inspired change.
Across the pathway classes, students learned about many other influential Black figures. Some classes studied Marcus Rashford, Barack Obama, Serena Williams and Rosa Parks, writing sentences about their achievements and matching important facts to each person.
Some of our Red pathway students enjoyed exploring the work of Garrett Morgan, inventor of the traffic light system, through engaging tuff tray activities. Some yellow pathway students also learned about Marcus Rashford’s campaign to support food banks by sorting and matching foods while discussing helping others in the community.
Music played an important part in our celebrations. Students read about Bob Marley through the Little People, Big Dreams biographies and were lucky enough to take part in a music session with Sean (our music therapist), where they explored reggae music and sang along to some of Bob Marley’s songs. Other classes listened to and performed along to “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong and enjoyed “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers.
In history, students learned about Mary Seacole and compared her achievements with those of Florence Nightingale, exploring the important contributions both women made to nursing.
Creativity was also on display as students explored the artwork of Alma Thomas. Inspired by her famous piece The Eclipse, students created their own colourful artworks using similar styles and techniques.
Black History Month has provided wonderful opportunities for our students to learn about inspirational people from the past and present, while developing their understanding of equality, perseverance, community and achievement. We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm and engagement shown by all our students throughout the month.
