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c. Black History Month

Black History Month is an important part of our curriculum and ethos. Each October, we celebrate the achievements, contributions, voices and stories of Black people throughout history and across the world. Our approach reflects our Christian values of justice, gratitude and outreach, helping pupils understand identity, fairness, dignity and the importance of standing up for others.

Every year we celebrate a new national theme. We weave this into rich learning experiences, high-quality texts, creativity, discussion, and meaningful reflection that shapes our children’s understanding of the world and their place within it.

Below is an overview of our recent themes and celebrations.

Annual Black History Month Themes at Aston Rowant

2023 – “Before Windrush: Untold Stories & Early Black British History”

Children explored the lives of Black Britons who lived in the UK long before the Empire Windrush. Pupils learned about Mary Seacole, Sara Forbes Bonetta, the “Ivory Bangle Lady”, Aurelian Moors, and abolitionist writers such as Olaudah Equiano.

  • “These stories matter because we didn’t learn them before.”
  • “Black History is British History.”

2024 – “Celebrating Black Britons in Key Roles: Medical Services, Police, Armed Forces & National Influence”

Across the school, pupils learned about Black Britons whose service, talent and leadership shaped modern Britain in medicine, policing, the military and national recognition.

  • “We didn’t know about some of these heroes.”
  • “Black Britons changed history.”

2025 – “Standing Firm in Power and Pride: Strength, Identity & Empowerment”

Pupils celebrated Black creativity, resilience and achievement through art, dance, sport and poetry - learning about Yinka Shonibare, Oti Mabuse, Marcus Rashford and Grace Nichols.

  • “Standing firm means believing in yourself.”
  • “Black history is part of our story too.”
Key Figures We Study

Across different years we explore inspirational figures such as:

  • Mary Seacole – courageous nurse and healer
  • Sara Forbes Bonetta – Victorian figure connected to Queen Victoria
  • Olaudah Equiano – writer, abolitionist and campaigner
  • Aurelian Moors & the Ivory Bangle Lady – Black Romans in Britain
  • Mae Jemison – doctor, engineer and NASA astronaut
  • Marcus Rashford – footballer, campaigner and advocate
  • Yinka Shonibare – contemporary artist
  • Oti Mabuse – dancer and choreographer
  • Grace Nichols – acclaimed poet

These stories ensure children see representation across STEM, arts, civil rights, literature, medicine, the military, monarchy and community leadership.

How Black History Month Links to Our Christian Values

Justice

Children learn about fairness, representation and standing up for what is right, just as figures like Equiano and Rashford did.

  • “He stood up for justice – that was really brave.” (Year 6, 2023)

Gratitude

Pupils recognise the contributions Black Britons have made to shaping our country - from Roman Britain to modern-day NHS heroes.

  • “People from all over the world helped – that surprised me.” (Year 4, 2024)

Outreach

We learn how individuals used their gifts to help others - whether through campaigning, healing, teaching or creating.

  • “He used his voice to help children.” (Year 3, 2025)

These stories of courage and compassion help children understand how they too can make a difference in God’s world.

Examples of Our Work and Celebrations

Across the years, classes have produced a wonderful range of creative work:

Art & Design

  • EYFS Yinka Shonibare workshops with bold patterns and oil pastels (2025) “My picture had lots of patterns!”
  • Portraits of Mary Seacole and Sara Forbes Bonetta (2023)

Writing & Poetry

  • Year 5/6 biographies of Marcus Rashford (2025)
  • Retellings of historical narratives from Roman Britain (2023)
  • Original poetry inspired by Grace Nichols (2025)

Drama, Dance & Performance

  • Key Stage 1 dance inspired by Oti Mabuse (2025) “Dancing made me feel confident.”

Enquiry & Discussion

  • Year 5 & 6 debate: Who should be on the next £10 note? (2024) “Lots of people deserved it - it was hard to choose.”

Classroom Displays

  • Roman Britain diversity collage (2023)
  • NHS & service heroes gallery (2024)
  • “Power and Pride” silhouettes and identity art (2025)
Impact on Our Pupils

Across all three years, pupil voice shows:

  • Children are inspired by stories they hadn’t heard before.
  • They develop a strong sense that Black History is British History.
  • They value fairness, representation and standing up for others.
  • They can articulate how contributions from Black communities shaped Britain.
  • They express pride, confidence, empathy and curiosity.

This ensures our celebrations go beyond one month - embedding diversity, inclusion and justice into our curriculum all year round.

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