Day 21: The Black Curriculum Movement - Reshaping British Education
Hey Family,
As we wrap up our third week, let's explore a contemporary movement that's challenging the way Black British history is taught in schools: The Black Curriculum.
Founded in 2019 by young activists, The Black Curriculum is addressing a glaring issue in British education - the lack of Black history in the national curriculum. This grassroots organisation isn't just critiquing the system; they're actively working to change it.
Key points about The Black Curriculum movement:
Comprehensive approach: They've developed a curriculum that covers Black British history from the Roman period to the present day.
Holistic view: The curriculum isn't just about historical figures, but also covers art, music, and literature.
Teacher training: They provide resources and training for educators to effectively teach Black British history.
Youth engagement: The organisation runs youth programmes to directly engage young people with Black British history.
Advocacy: They campaign for changes to the national curriculum at a policy level.
What makes The Black Curriculum significant is its approach to systemic change. By providing ready-to-use resources and training, they're making it easier for schools to incorporate Black British history into their teaching.
The movement highlights the importance of representation in education. When young people see themselves reflected in the history they learn, it can have a profound impact on their sense of belonging and identity.
It's important to note that The Black Curriculum isn't without its challenges. They face resistance from those who argue against what they see as 'politicising' the curriculum. However, the organisation maintains that a more inclusive curriculum benefits all students, regardless of their background.
The impact of The Black Curriculum is already being felt:
Schools adopting their resources report increased engagement from students of all backgrounds.
Their work has contributed to wider discussions about decolonising the curriculum.
They've raised awareness about the importance of Black British history among educators and policymakers.
As we reflect on The Black Curriculum movement, consider these questions:
How might learning about Black British history from an early age change students' understanding of British identity and culture?
In what ways can initiatives like The Black Curriculum contribute to anti-racism efforts in Britain?
How can we support movements for educational reform in our own communities?
The Black Curriculum movement reminds us that the fight for equality and representation happens on many fronts - including in our classrooms. By reshaping how we teach history, we can reshape how future generations understand their place in British society.
I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments. How do you think initiatives like The Black Curriculum can change the landscape of British education?
Blessings,
KK
