Dedicating time and attention to diversity topics is an important step toward creating more inclusive spaces for all. When it comes to Black History Month, schools often use the opportunity to educate students on the past while creating awareness around current issues and what they can do to contribute to a more equitable society.
Throughout October 2021, Repton School, and a number ofother HMC schools marked Black History Month in the UK with dedicated programming and lessons. The result was a broad variety of programming, discovery, and discussion to create awareness and promote inclusivity across schools and communities.
A Brief History of Black History Month in the UK
While Black History Month may be more well-known globally as a February commemoration in the United States, the UK followed close behind in the establishment of its own celebrations. The U.S. officially established Black History Month in February 1976 during the American Bicentennial. In the UK, Ghanaian Akyaaba Addai-Sebo led the call for a British commemoration in 1987.
Black History Month is used, in part, to call attention to the contributions and achievements of Black Britons throughout history and present-day movements. This extends to the deep history of British people of both African and Caribbean descent, given the United Kingdom’s impact on the slave trade and colonisation efforts. Notably, Black History Month was also established on the 150th anniversary of the Caribbean emancipation, marking the abolition of slavery and apprenticeship across the British Empire.
Repton School Encourages Student Leadership in Diversity Studies
From traditional faculty-led classes to exploratory student cohorts, Repton School emboldens its pupils to engage with topics in ways that create discussion and personal discovery. Their programming around Black History Month this year was no different. Student-led programmes were designed to help create awareness across the campus as well as celebrate diversity across the student body. Their chosen theme for this year’s activities was also “Proud to Be,” tying into the work done with other HMC schools.
Learning by doing, the students created a timeline of Black History events displayed in the main Repton School theatre. Walking visitors through events across over 60 important dates in both US and UK history, the exhibition encouraged conversation about both countries’ roles in the African diaspora and the impact this had on individuals then and now. The student-written publication, The Repton Historian, also took on a Black History Month theme with a number of articles on historical figures, pop culture, and the Civil Rights Movement.
Students also incorporated storeys from more minor figures in Black History into prefect-led Chapel Services. Pupils selected the individuals for discussion and shared both historic and personal details of how impactful these figures have been. The students were encouraged to do their own research and share what made each person meaningful to them.
HMC Schools Across the UK Highlight Black History Month
With such a long history of both adversity and diversity to explore, additional participating HMC schools explored a variety of subjects during month-long curricula. From student-led forums to guest speakers, the focus was placed on representation, influence, progress, and equality in all its forms.
The portrayal of race in British cinema and how history affects interpretation of race and art took centre stage at Cheltenham Ladies’ College, where Baroness Lola Young was a featured speaker. A theme of “Proud to Be” directed student research and discussion at Ashford School, where English, History, and Religious Studies curricula were redesigned for the month around African and Caribbean cultures. Students studied the impact of these cultures on British life while also learning more about how European colonisation forever changed the lives across the globe. The same theme also permeated celebrations at Latymer Prep and Upper Schools.
Repton School was not the only institution to encourage student-led programming. Pocklington School hosted student-run assemblies for pupils of all age groups. Awareness spread regarding the Bristol Bus Boycott as well as civil rights movements beyond those in the U.S. Royal Grammar School Newcastle students took part in independent studies with access to content from the Historical Association. The result was a bevy of posters, articles, and discussion activities that increased understanding and appreciation for the past across the school.
HMC schools like Repton School will continue to commemorate Black History Month with new and engaging ways to expand student horizons. Approaches such as sharing quotes with one another, themed reading lists, and guided study into lesser-emphasised historic events to create awareness and expand perspectives can all help students today create more inclusive communities in the future.
About Repton School
Repton School is a co-educational independent school for boarding and day pupils aged between 13-18. Promoting equal opportunities is fundamental to the ethos of Repton School. The School welcomes applications from pupils of any race, nationality and ethnic origin. Learn more about Repton School’s Equal Opportunities Policy and student life:https://www.repton.org.uk/school-life/pastoral-care
