Black HiSTORY

“All that matters is kindness and the capacity to recognise the existence of people other than you.” Zadie Smith, Author

“I really enjoyed Ruby's Worry and learning about the Bahamas. These were my favourite topics. I also enjoyed learning about Mary Seacole, I have a book about her at home.” - KS1 Pupil

“I have found learning about Black History interesting because it is about the past and about countries different to ours. Some of the people we have learnt about are kind and helpful and might inspire us to help people too.” - KS2 Pupil

"The Black History Curriculum is so interesting to teach. It has really enhanced both the learning and knowledge in my classroom" - MV Staff

"We are delighted that Senior Leaders have added Black History into the Curriculum, it is so valuable to the next generation." - MV Governor

INTRODUCTION

At Morley Victoria, we have identified that Black History must be included in our already diverse curriculum, however it is mostly taught during Black History Month. Whilst this is often taught effectively, it is not always easy to find Black History Month resources that help children learn about black British history. There are also many opportunities to embed learning throughout our pre-existing curriculum, rather than taking a tokenistic approach. In teaching this way, using a ‘black curriculum’ we can provide learning that is meaningful and relevant.

OUR AIMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. To provide a sense of belonging and identity to the children we teach
  2. To teach an accessible educational Black British history curriculum that raises attainment for our pupils
  3. To improve social cohesion between young people in the UK
  4. To ensure our children are equipped with knowledge that enables them to form informed viewpoints, show empathy and respect to others
  5. To celebrate our differences in a safe, diverse and inclusive environment

SKILLS

The skills taught mirror those taught in History:

  • Chronological Understanding
  • Range and Depth of Knowledge
  • Interpreting History (cause, consequence, change, significance, compare and contrast)
  • Historic Enquiry
  • Organisation and Communication

To complement this, we have planned a progressive Black British History curriculum that has cross curricular links to Geography, PSHE and the Arts that allows us to build holistic understanding of a complex topic.

In KS1, children will learn skills and knowledge that will form strong foundations to enable them to think critically about events of the past, their significance in British history and how these impact their lives in the present. Children will explore open-ended questions such as ‘What does it mean to belong?’ and be taken on an age-appropriate journey beginning at understanding the terms ‘empire, freedom and independence.’

In KS2, the children will build on their knowledge further, applying their understanding with the history topics already taught at MV such as the Romans, the Victorians and WW2. By year 6, children will confidently be able to consider and respond to current issues such as racism, activism, and the Black Lives Matter movement.

A Black History curriculum overview can be found in the blue box to the left.

To see how this curriculum is seamlessly woven into our existing History Curriculum, please see the History Long Term plan in the blue box on the left hand side.

We understand the importance of welcoming visitors into our school and giving our children first-hand learning experiences. We have already been lucky enough to have parents volunteer their time and share their family history and culture and following the launch of our new BBH curriculum we will be welcoming workshops into school to provide even more variety for our children.

RESOURCES AND WEBSITES

This resource provides an excellent and accessible timeline, described as ‘a timeline of two millennia of world-shaping individuals and momentous events that define Black history.’

https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2020/jul/11/black-history-timeline

TOP FIVE BOOKS

  1. Little Leaders: Bold Women and in Black History by Vashti Harrison
  2. Little Leaders: Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison
  3. Look Up! By Nathan Bryon
  4. Coming To England by Floella Benjamin
  5. Black and British: A Short, Essential History by David Olusoga