Celebrating Black History Month

This October, NRHS celebrated Black History Month with a fantastic programme of workshops, creative activities, curriculum learning, an educational theatre visit and a whole-school carnival. It was a wonderful opportunity for our pupils to explore Black history, celebrate different cultures, recognise important achievements and learn about the people who have helped shape our world.

The celebrations began with African drumming workshops delivered by Iroko Theatre. Pupils from across the school had the opportunity to experience the energy and excitement of African percussion, learning rhythms, developing their musical skills and working together to create music. The workshops were a huge success, with students thoroughly enjoying the experience. In fact, they enjoyed it so much that many asked if we could invite Iroko Theatre back for another session in the future!

Iroko Theatre also returned to deliver African storytelling through movement workshops for all year groups. Pupils explored traditional stories through dance, movement and expression. Having already met the performers during the drumming workshops the previous week, students felt more familiar and comfortable with them. This helped build their confidence and encouraged more pupils to join in with the dancing, something that can sometimes feel challenging for our students. It was fantastic to see so many getting involved, expressing themselves and enjoying the experience.

We also took a group of selected pupils on an educational visit to the West End to see Disney’s The Lion King. This gave students the opportunity to experience the excitement of live musical theatre, enjoy an internationally celebrated production and see storytelling, music, costumes, movement and performance brought together on stage.

The excitement continued with our Black History Month carnival in the playground. The school came together to enjoy Caribbean food, music and dancing, creating a lively celebration filled with colour, energy and community spirit. Pupils also had the opportunity to wear the carnival masks they had designed and created during our art activities, adding their own creativity to the festivities.

Alongside the special events, Black History Month was embedded throughout the curriculum. Across subjects and year groups, pupils explored a wide range of inspiring people, historical events and cultural contributions. In Art, they studied artists including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kehinde Wiley and Esther Mahlangu. In English, they explored the work of Malorie Blackman, Black comedians and the Black Panther movement. History lessons examined topics such as the transatlantic slave trade, the British Empire, the Civil Rights Movement and the achievements of Jesse Owens.

Learning extended across the other subjects too. In Music, pupils discovered influential Black musicians, including Bob Marley and Tupac Shakur. In PE, they explored the lives of sporting legends such as Michael Jordan and Pelé. In Science and Maths, they learned about pioneering figures including Katherine Johnson, Charles Drew, Ernest Everett Just and Alexa Canady. Pupils also explored Black entrepreneurs, cultural food, representation, equality, racism and the importance of positive role models.

Throughout the month, our aim was not only to celebrate achievements but also to encourage pupils to ask questions, challenge stereotypes, recognise injustice and understand how Black history is an important part of British and world history.

One pupil commented, ‘We learnt about Faith Ringold ,who told her stories and observations through her quilt making and embroidery. This was very impaactful and has made me think about how I could use embroidery within my GCSE project.’

A huge thank you to Iroko Theatre, our visiting workshop leaders, all the staff who planned and delivered activities, and, most importantly, our pupils for getting involved so enthusiastically. Their energy, curiosity and creativity helped make Black History Month at New Rush Hall a memorable celebration.

We hope the experiences and learning from this month will continue to inspire conversations, creativity and understanding throughout the year.