Black History Month 2024

The Urswick School is clear that Black history is everybody’s history and we are proud of the diversity and inclusion reflected in our curriculum all year round. Black History Month gives us the opportunity to highlight and celebrate this even further and is a really important part of our annual calendar – marked with our very own badges worn proudly by the whole school and beautiful banners designed by one of our 6th form students. Every year we choose a different theme and this year it was: Celebrating Changemakers. 
In lessons, assemblies and special events we celebrated the achievements and impact of Black people in the world and UK history and the contribution that Black people have made, and continue to make, to British culture, society and the arts. 

Every curriculum area at The Urswick School planned and delivered challenging and engaging lessons around our chosen theme. In Drama for example, students explored the story of Diane Abbott. Through practical exploration and characterisation, students delved into her life, examining the challenges she faced and the impact she has had on British politics and society. This has helped students to not only appreciate her significance but also to connect with the resilience and leadership that define her journey. Within Year groups, students learned about Changemakers in their tutor time and submitted their own creative work around a chosen Changemaker for whole school competitions. 

A key part of our celebration of Black History Month is that we take this opportunity to invite guests to the School to inspire and motivate our students. Every year group had a special assembly for this purpose and we also held an evening event where parents and extended family members could attend. Highlights of this year ‘s events included us welcoming six inspiring guest speakers All of our speakers spoke about their individual careers and mentioned a variety of obstacles that they had to each overcome, in order to be successful. Each speaker emphasised the importance of your ‘Network being your Net-worth’, which was a very powerful message that resonated with our students and parents. One of our guests Akua Boateng, Senior Marketing Manager at Bloomsbury, stated that speaking to the pupils and parents was an absolute joy and was easily her ‘ favourite speaking event over the past few years’.

Black History Month was also celebrated through the delicious cuisine that Harrisons catering provide for the School. Every Thursday in October ,students and staff enjoyed an exceptional lunch inspired by African or Caribbean cuisine and on one particularly special Thursday a steel pan duo also entertained the school community throughout lunchtime.