During Black History Month, the whole school had lots of fun learning about Black History in different subjects.
Here is a summary of who the children learnt about and what they did:
Maths
- Thomas Fuller, an extraordinary Black mathematician known as ‘The Human Calculator’ who famously calculated the number of seconds he had lived.
Music
- Online West African Djembe Drumming sessions led by a Senegalese griot.
- The African-American composer, pianist and organist, Florence Price who was the first Black woman to have a symphony performed by a major American orchestra.
Science
- Dorothy Vaughn, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson and Christine Darden (known as the ‘Hidden Figures’) who made critical contributions to NASA and the U.S. space program.
Humanities
- Harriet Tubman, a heroic woman who helped many enslaved people escape to freedom in America, using a secret network called the Underground Railroad.
- Mary Seacole, a nurse born in Jamaica who became a hero during the Crimean War. She cared for wounded soldiers with great compassion and made a big difference to many lives.
- Floella Benjamin, a Trinidadian-British actress, TV presenter, author and politician.
- The book ‘Diary of a Windrush Kid’ which told the story of Georgina, a nine-year-old girl who came to England from Guyana with her mum in search of a better life. She discusses some of the difficulties and prejudices that she experienced. Form IV then ‘hot-seated’ being Georgina and imagined what it would have been like to be in her situation, answering some very searching questions from the rest of the class.
- Rosa Parks who is famously known for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955. Her courageous act of protest became a symbol of the struggle for racial equality and resistance against segregation.
- Listening to ‘Mega Magic Hair Swap!’ by Rochelle Humes, a book focusing on self-love and celebrating natural hair.
- Watching clips from ‘JoJo & Gran Gran’ which showcases the wonderful relationship between a five-year-old girl and her fun wise grandmother. The children had fun learning about Gran Gran’s Saint Lucian heritage and the island’s culture.
Art
- Esther Mahlangu, a famous South African artist known for her bright and beautiful patterns inspired by her Ndebele culture.
- Making colourful African necklaces using paper plates, bright pastels, and patterns inspired by traditional African designs.
- The African-American artist Alma Thomas, renowned for creating vibrant, abstract paintings using colourful, mosaic-like brushstrokes.
French
- Watching a fun and educational cartoon called Bino and Fino which follows a brother and sister who live in Nigeria – all in French, with English subtitles. The girls loved discovering more about African traditions, food, music and more.
Well done, girls, for showing such interest, curiosity and enthusiasm while celebrating Black History Month.
