Black History Month

What fantastic celebrations we have had here at Balgowan for Black History Month!  Children have taken part in workshops, learned about key figures within society and history and listened to some inspiring, guest speakers. Please take a look at what we have been up to this October and do ask your children; they have learned so much!

Guest Speakers

We have had some fantastic guest speakers join us over the past few weeks. Dr Chantelle Lewis, a junior research fellow from Oxford University taught us all about key figures within Black history, including those in academia. We learned about Una Marson, John Archer, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Dame Jocelyn Barrow, Beryl Gilroy and John La Rose.

In key stage two, we also heard about what it is like to move from Lagos to the United Kingdom and the differences between the two places. We heard about Tola’s experiences of building a business, which reminded us that you are capable of achieving whatever you put your mind to. 

Workshops

African Drumming

Years reception to 3 got to experience African drumming, learning to play beats on the djembe, after an inspiring demonstration.

Architecture

Year 1 had the opportunity to learn about architecture and followed this up with some junk modelling of buildings.

Hidden Figures

Years 4—6 met Focus, who taught them all about hidden figures within black history: Lilian Bader, John Blanke, Mary Prince,  Lucius Septimius Severus and Paul Stephenson, who we celebrated for their successes and achievements.

Here’s what some of our children thought: 

“I really liked the Hidden Figures assembly and workshop. Focus taught us a lot of things we didn’t know.” Year 5 pupil

“I enjoyed the assembly we had where Tola told us about his life.” Year 5 pupil

“I’ve enjoyed learning about what people have been doing for us and what they did to change the world and make it better.” Year 3 pupil

A big thank you goes out to those parents/carers who helped make Black History Month 2024 a special one for our children, we greatly appreciate your input. Miss McCarthy