Colfe's Celebrates Black History Month
As Black History Month is celebrated across the UK throughout October, pupils at both senior and junior schools ran a series of activities to raise awareness of black history and mark this year’s campaign theme of Saluting Our Sisters.
The programme began with a senior school assembly created and presented by student members of the African-Caribbean Society. Aura, Michaela, Abu, Fikayo, Abigail, Eni and Aliyah gave a fascinating talk, covering just some of those who have made outstanding global contributions, from 14th century Malian emperor Mansa Musa to the inspirational Michelle Obama.
Displays were exhibited throughout the senior school, featuring portraits and photography of influential black women from the worlds of politics, science, publishing, art, media, social and civil rights activism, sport, business, education and law, to name just a few.
A Black History Month quiz was delivered to every senior school class through the PSHEE programme, covering a broad range of topics including the 1963 boycott of the Bristol Bus Company, colonisation, and the establishment of one of the world’s earliest universities in 12th century Timbuktu.
At the junior school particular focus was given to positive black representation and experience through curriculum teaching, including focus on texts by black authors or with black protagonists, and looking at the work of black artists, scientists, sportspeople and politicians. Pupils’ work linked to black history has been showcased, with pupils sharing their work in assembly, including artwork inspired by the work of black artists, STEM work linked to the work of black scientists, and a presentation from two Year 3 pupils on the American artist Alma Thomas, the first African-American woman to have her work added to the White House collection.
Pupils and staff across the school also enjoyed a special lunch menu featuring African-inspired stew, chef special plantain and jollof rice, with a pudding of puff puff.
