Black History Month 2017

October is celebrated across the world as Black History Month and is a time when we learn about influential people of colour, their place in history and their lasting legacy on the world we live in today. This year we had a jam-packed October where we met the Jamaican-born poet and novelist, Valerie Bloom. She delivered an interactive assembly to the whole school where the children had a crash course in how to speak Jamaican patois. They were then able to use their newly learnt language to recite Caribbean songs and poems. She also worked with Year 3 where children had to create poems using only similes. Reception were visited by Biancha Samuel who shared traditional African folk tales and genuine African artefacts with the children. Our very own Joy, gave some lucky Year 6 children the opportunity to explore African art and traditional dress. The children designed their own traditional clothing inspired by Ghanaian Kente patterns and Ankara prints.  Ade worked with Year 4 to cook some delicious treats from Nigeria called ‘Poff Poff’.

Year 6 performed a number of songs related to Black History Month including, ‘This Little Light of Mine’ and ‘Amazing Grace’. A special mention goes to our amazing soloists: Adaeze Nwokedi, Yeni Nevry and Tiago De Freitas Caynes. Throughout the month of celebrations, Leanne and Matt led weekly music assemblies specially dedicated to musical genres such as jazz, funk and blues that are historically linked to the black musical community.  We rounded off a fun-filled Black History Month with African drumming workshops for the whole school led by Leanne, giving everyone the opportunity to try something new.

There was a fantastic variety of activities on offer and everyone will certainly have learnt something new. All of the children thoroughly enjoyed their experiences and a huge thank you goes to all the staff who made Black History Month 2017 such a success – we’re really excited to see what we get up to next year! Check out the photo gallery below to see more of what we did…