Black History Month at TEMA ( Published: 18/10/2024)
At TEMA we are proud of our diversity and celebrate our differences at every opportunity.
The month of October is Black History Month which aims to provide an opportunity for everyone to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture. The theme this year is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’. This theme underscores a commitment to correcting historical inaccuracies and showcasing the untold success stories and the full complexity of Black heritage. It’s about taking control of Black stories and honouring Black heroes while challenging the narratives that have often overlooked the contributions and achievements of Black individuals both in the UK and globally.
Black History Month: Reclaiming Narratives
Source: Black History Month
As part of the focus on ‘Reclaiming Narratives’, Year 10 students delivered an assembly to highlight the contributions that members of the Black community have made to British history. They introduced each year group to the work of Ira Aldridge, Ignatius Sancho, John Edmonstone, Adelaide Hall, Claudia Jones and Learie Constantine. Students were particularly interested by the contribution that John Edmonstone had made to Darwin’s discovery of evolution, following work that they had completed in Science and RE.
Head of Science at TEMA, Dr. Dewhurst said,
It is fantastic to uncover the vital contributions that Black scientists made to discoveries that have traditionally been solely attributed to White male scientists.
Students in Years 7-10 were also able to join a live online assembly that was delivered by the Sanctuary Foundation. The Great Big Live Assembly celebrated the ways that schools up and down the UK are embracing diversity. It honoured Black individuals from history who continue to inspire us all. It reinforced the importance of respecting those who are different from us and it invited us all to play our part to make sure everybody feels welcome and valued.
Destiny in Year 9 said,
It was great to hear from both celebrities and students about why Black History is important. It was really good.
Year 10 students leaders delivering an assembly on significant figures in black history
The poet studied by our Year 9 students in English
My Name Is Why, on Amazon
In Year 9 English, students have been studying Lemn Sissay as part of a wider topic on Identity Poetry. In this topic students explore what a range of poets have to say about aspects of social injustice. Sissay’s disadvantaged childhood is the basis of his authorial perspective on love, hope and optimism. Students will move on to compare his and others’ poetry, for example Dean Atta, who also writes from the basis of disadvantage through racial injustice, social class, sexual orientation and gender. These discussions serve to ground students in a clear understanding of authorial perspective, aspects of privilege and disadvantage that inform critical analysis skills, and feed into wider school values of respect and equality as celebrated this month for Black History Month.
Finally, the Humble Beginnings Careers Fair took place on Thursday, October 17th 2024, providing a unique opportunity for Year 9 students as they prepare to embark on their GCSE journey. This event featured over 40 professionals from diverse fields, all personally recruited through Humble Beginning’s extensive professional network.
Students had the opportunity to practise their interview skills and receive feedback. Idris in Year 9 said,
Yesterday really helped me with my confidence, it has also given me a clear idea of what I want to do when I am older.
The professionals served as relatable role models, conducting mock interviews that allowed students to practice their skills and gain valuable insights into various career paths. This interactive experience not only helped students explore potential futures but also built their confidence as they considered the qualifications and skills needed for success. Overall, the Careers Fair was a vital stepping stone for Year 9 students as they begin to shape their academic and professional aspirations.
