At Grace Mary we are constantly thinking about how we deliver our curriculum to our children. We feel that Black History should not be confined to one month but should be appreciated throughout all our topics covered in school. Our curriculum explores 'Black History' through a variety of lenses. For example, we have core texts set in a variety of cultures and written by a selection of ethnically diverse authors. The Arts curriculum explores sports figures, artists and musicians from a range of backgrounds and a range  of styles of music. The Humanities curriculum explores a variety of themes from around the world including historic figures and events, religions, beliefs and cultures.

October is a starting point so our pupils can begin to think about mutual respect between nations and races and is explored through our 'Relationships & Health Education' Curriculum. Alongside this we will be celebrating the work of many inspirational people. Our Theme for the month of October is:-

Female Musicial Inspirational Artist

This year, we have decided to focus on Aspirations (one of our core values), looking at the contributions to Britain through the medium of music. 

Through the curriculum pupils will have explored a number of inspirational people from around the world. 

Humanities lessons - journey from birth to present 

Music lessons - listen to and appreciate different types of music. Instrumental tuition to play known songs.

English lesson - Poetry 

RE - Celebrating their lives and exploring the different cultures, beliefs and faiths of individual artists.

Assemblies - thought provoking assemblies on historical figures highlighting how they believed in themselves and how they were inspired by others. Picture News topics; 

The following link will take you to some great BBC clips talking about inspirational people to celebrate Black History Month - BBC Inspirational people videos

October is Black History Month in the UK. It is an annual event honouring the contributions and accomplishments of the Black British community. It celebrates both current and historical individuals and the positive impact they have made to our society.

This week at Grace Mary, National Poetry Day provides us all with great opportunities to highlight key moments in Black British history, through the medium of poetry. We believe it is important to celebrate the contributions of everyone to our society and support the multi-culturalism and diversity that helps shape our communities…and we are doing this via ‘Performance Poetry’.

Reception – ‘Colours’ by Sheldon Silverstein

Reception performed a poem that celebrates the diversity of colour in our world…each as special and wonderful as the last.