As October draws to end, it is also the end of Black History Month.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all students for their wonderful contributions and projects.

During the last weeks of October, I was delighted to receive additional projects from students. Yet again, I was extremely impressed with the standard of student’s independent learning and felt privileged to have the opportunity to learn more about people form the Black Community who have made an impact – many people whom I knew very little about.

Harley from 7S handed in a project on Vinicious Jr, a brazilian professional footballer. He plays as a winger for Real Madrid and is, of course, in the Bazilian national team. I am really looking forward to seeing him in action during the forthcoming World Cup. Harley describes him as “one of the best players in the world, known for crazy skills, high pace and shooting”. Apparently, he also enjoys dancing which no doubt helps him with his footwork on the pitch. Harley describes how he feels that Vinicious is a role model because it showns how if you work hard you can reach your own goals (no pun intended!).

Annabelle, also from 7S completed her project on Beyonce, reminded me that Beyonce was originally in the group Destiny’s Child. I loved Annabelle’s drawings of Beyonce and a microphone on her project. Annabelle outlined Beyonce’s achievements: 7 studio albums, 1 soundtrack album, 3 compilation albums and 5 albums. Wow!

7S certainly have done Ms Vora proud as I received four more submissions from her CDC. One was Benny who completed a project on Maro Itoje, a 28 year old rugby player who plays for the national team as well as The Saracens. Interesting facts about Maro that Benny shared with me were that he won a scholarship to Harrow School and that he discovered his interest in rugby at aged 11.

George’s project was about Lee Bron James, another sports person I knew really nothing about. Lee Bron is a basketball player of amazing stature – being 6 foot 9 inches tall! George explained how Lee Bron has had a real impact on sport for children in the US. He has set up the Lee Bron James Foundation which raises money to help children achieve their potential in education.

Ajra, whose project is pictured here, completed a detailed piece of research on Martin Luther King Jr. She discovered lots of facts that I didn’t know previously, such as his name originally was Michael and not Martin and that he was imprisoned nearly 30 times. I enjoyed reading what Ajra had to say about King’s famous speech and his impact on US Civil Rights. Ajra suggests that King’s writings and speeches “allow us to continue learning from his beliefs and practices today”. How very true.

Finally, I also received a project during half term from Erin on Alex Haley, author of the famous novel ‘Roots’. I was fascinated to read that he taught himself the craft of writing stories. Do take time to read Erin’s project.

Of course, even though Black History Month has ended, we should all remember the key principles of the month and this refers to people of all backgrounds, races and cultures – summed up by our school principles of ‘A Mind to Be Kind’ and the importance of inclusivity.