This time last year I co-authored a blog with a parent about the challenges Black History month presents in schools. Before writing again this year, I read back over our words (Have a read of our blog, Black History Month Perpetuating or celebrating difference?’ here) and I remain uncertain that the celebratory month of October is the right way to highlight the enormous contributions people of colour have made.
For now though, Black History month remains a core calendar item in schools across the country and at Elmhurst. Throughout the curriculum in school this month we have been celebrating different lives and learning about the impact various individuals have on our lives.
From contemporary figures such as Marcus Rashford to historical study of the ‘Coming to England’ Windrush story to Sislin Fay Allen, the UK’s first black female police officer who lived and worked in Croydon, children have been learning about the many influential people and experiences that have contributed to our world today.
In assembly, Mr Morgan, our Music lead and a contemporary composer, shared some really inspiring stories of black musicians who have shaped his own musical journey and told us about South London born composer and musician Samuel Coleridge-Taylor who 150 years ago was trailblazing as a Black musician in a white dominated field. Mr Morgan is having his own work played as part of a celebratory concert of the life of Coleridge-Taylor at the Fairfield Halls on Sunday. Tickets are still available for anyone interested in going along.
Whilst we will continue to mark Black History month, we remain committed to celebrating all peoples and cultures throughout our curriculum to ensure our diverse community has a broad appreciation of the world around us and the importance they have within it.
