Black History Month
October is Black History Month, an important opportunity to celebrate the history, achievements, contributions and experiences of Black people in Britain and around the world. It gives our children the opportunity to learn about significant individuals and events, explore different perspectives and celebrate the rich diversity of our society.
At Tipton Green, we will be celebrating Black History Month across the school. Throughout October, children will take part in assemblies linked to Black History Month, where we will celebrate inspirational individuals, explore important moments in history and discuss themes including equality, diversity, respect, courage and belonging.
Alongside our assemblies, Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 will be exploring a fantastic selection of fiction and non-fiction texts during their reading lessons. These carefully chosen books will allow children to encounter Black voices and characters, develop their knowledge of Black British history and learn about the achievements and experiences of inspirational Black people.
Year 3 will be learning about inspirational Black women and significant female figures through a range of engaging texts. The children will explore stories of remarkable women and consider themes of determination, courage, equality and achievement.
They will also be discovering the stories of inspirational Black men and women who have overcome barriers, followed their ambitions and made an important difference to the world.
As part of their learning, Year 3 will be developing their understanding of the Windrush generation. Through fiction, autobiography and non-fiction, the children will learn about Floella Benjamin's experiences of travelling from Trinidad to Britain as a child. They will explore themes including migration, belonging, identity, family and community.
Books and texts we will be exploring
Fantastically Great Women Who Worked Wonders
Fantastically Great Women Who Made History
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
Little Leaders: Exceptional Men in Black History
Little People, BIG DREAMS: Treasury
Coming to England – Picture Book
Coming to England
What is the Windrush Generation? – Newsround article
Year 4 will be learning about inspirational Black figures and important moments in Black history through a varied collection of fiction and non-fiction texts.
The children will explore the lives and achievements of inspirational figures including Katherine Johnson and Maya Angelou. They will consider themes of determination, equality, courage and standing up for what is right.
Year 4 will also discover the achievements of Black men and women who have made significant contributions to history and society.
Through the Voices series, pupils will explore historical experiences from different perspectives. These stories will give children opportunities to consider the voices and experiences of Black people during different periods of history.
Books and texts we will be exploring
The Extraordinary Life of Katherine Johnson
Little Guide to Great Lives: Maya Angelou
Dance of Resistance
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
Little Leaders: Exceptional Men in Black History
Little People, BIG DREAMS: American Dreams
Now or Never
Diver's Daughter
A Victorian Story
Year 5 will be exploring novels with Black lead characters. These stories will place Black characters at the heart of the narrative and allow pupils to explore themes including identity, family, belonging, resilience and community.
The children will also be developing their knowledge of Black British history and the Windrush generation. Through fiction and non-fiction, pupils will learn about migration, the experiences of the Windrush generation and their important contribution to British history and society.
Year 5 will also celebrate inspirational Black individuals through Young, Gifted and Black. Pupils will discover the achievements of people including Ava DuVernay, Misty Copeland, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Morgan Freeman, George Washington Carver and Malorie Blackman.
Books and texts we will be exploring
Journey Back to Freedom
Sunshine Simpson Cooks Up a Storm
Man-Man and the Tree of Memories
Brilliant Black British History: The Windrush Generation
The Story of Windrush
Windrush Child
Young, Gifted and Black
Year 6 will be developing their understanding of Black British history through a range of fiction and non-fiction texts. Pupils will discover more about the experiences and achievements of Black people throughout Britain's history and recognise that Black history is an important part of British history.
Pupils will also explore powerful stories about slavery. Through these texts, children will encounter stories of enslavement, resistance, courage and the fight for freedom, encouraging thoughtful and sensitive discussions about the experiences of people in the past.
Year 6 will also read inspirational novels exploring themes including racism, prejudice, inequality, identity, determination, courage and respect.
Books and texts we will be exploring
Brilliant Black British History
Black and British: An Illustrated History
Freedom
Buffalo Soldier
Cane Warriors
Respect
Journey to Jo'burg
How High the Moon
