Working with the Secondary Education Team and in partnership with Black History Month UK and Museumand (The National Caribbean Heritage Museum) two of the UK’s leading Caribbean organisations, Bishop Grosseteste University have created an innovative teaching resource pack for use in secondary schools, ‘The Black History Month UK School Pack’. In subject specific groups, trainee teachers designed and produced new resources and lesson plans which demonstrated how Black people have contributed to the UK both in the past and present. All resources were tied to defined National Curriculum subjects and topics and featured the works of key figures such as Scottish Poet, Jackie Kay and Spanish footballer Inaki Williams which were designed to inspire, enthuse and engage young people to explore hidden histories of Black people.
Dr Sheine Peart, Reader in Access, Equality and Inclusion at the University who co-ordinated the project and worked with students to create the new resources said “Working with Black History Month UK and Museumand, The National Caribbean Heritage Museum has been a fantastic opportunity for trainee teachers on our PGCE Secondary course. After taking part in the project our trainee teachers said they feel more prepared to teach a diverse range of students, and have a better awareness of the topics and issues that impact negatively on the lived experiences of their students. Our trainee teachers better understand how to incorporate the histories of people of colour into the curriculum, and are keen to continue developing their skills and knowledge. It is wonderful that the process of producing the pack has been a learning vehicle for our students, and now it will become an invaluable learning aid for teachers and young people across the UK. It’s a real win-win for everyone involved.”
A recent article published in Black History Month UK titled ‘New Black History Resource Pack for schools launched by Black History Month UK to champion black history all year round, across all of the curriculum’, gives detailed information about the contents of each pack together with further information on why these resources will be beneficial in supporting all schools to effectively deliver the curriculum. Lynda-Louise Burrell, Creative Director of Museumand, who also worked on the project said:
‘A brand-new pack for schools has been launched to help schools around the UK celebrate the continued achievements and contributions of black people of African descent to the UK and around the world – all year round, across all of the curriculum, while supporting teachers and young people to talk about and understand the issues of race and equality in a post-2020 world.”
Catherine Ross, Founder and Director of Museumand and Editor of Black History Month UK magazine added:
“I am truly looking forward to sending the packs out to schools across the country as I know they will make a positive difference to young people, their families and communities. The packs are creative, innovative and of exceptional quality and are a tribute to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. I would like to thank Dr Sheine Peart and her team of colleagues and trainee teachers at Bishop Grosseteste University for being the driving force behind the packs. They have worked tirelessly to create a great range of teaching materials.”
The school packs will be available to schools nationwide by Black History Month UK from October onwards.
Click New Black History Resource Pack for schools launched by Black History Month UK to champion black history all year round, across all of the curriculum - Black History Month 2021 to access and read the full article.