Thursday 2 November 2023
The month of October was a great one for WHGS, as different activities took place across the whole school for Black History Month.
The month was started and ended by a fantastic welcome to school from the Samba and Steel Pan bands – greeting pupils and parents at the gates. School was decorated with flags and banners and there were choices of African and Caribbean food on the lunch menus.
In the Primary Phase, children learnt about Black History Month in assembly, where they thought about discrimination both in history and in the present day. Classes looked at a variety of different black heroes and learnt about the fantastic achievements that they have made. Books by black authors and featuring black characters were also read by pupils – some favourites being ‘Young Gifted and Black’ by Jamia Wilson and ‘Ruby’s Worry’ by Tom Percival.
In the Secondary Phase and Sixth Form, students had the pleasure of listening to guest speakers from On The Out and Milk Education during assembly and form time. A lunchtime House activity took place where students had to find 10 black British icons that they should know about and all were awarded House points for their participation. Staff and students came together for a natural hair workshop and documentary screening during the lunch break. Students were able to view and experience a variety of different braided hair styles whilst watching documentaries including "The Hair Tales" on Disney Plus. The documentaries detailed the history of braids and embracing natural Afro hair. Students from across the school community were in attendance and had great fun across the afternoon.
All pupils across the school were invited to wear their own cultural dress or something that represented their identity on the last Friday of the month. We collected voluntary donations and this money will be going to a charity which supports equity, diversity and inclusion in Manchester, which will be chosen by our Executive Council. We raised £409 in total!
Thank you to all for celebrating Black History Month at WHGS!