Across our curriculum we are proactively participating in the annual observance of Black History Month. While our inclusive curriculum covers pertinent issues and role-models across the year this is a national time of official recognition by governments in the United Kingdom, Ireland, United States and Canada.

The overriding theme for Black History Month is ‘Proud To Be’ and it is one that is integral to our 3 core R’s of Respect, Responsibility and Relationships. While recent media focus has been on people such as George Floyd there are many others who have made significant and inspiring contributions to society and who, without the retelling of their stories may be forgotten. For instance our fantastic Art department is exploring the work of the Pop Artist Kehinde Wiley. Kehinde Wiley (1977) born in Los Angeles, U.S. has become one of the most well known artists for creating portraits that feature everyday urban African Americans and their peers from around the world.

Reinvigorating the traditional European settings of the Old Masters Kehinde has now completed several high-profile portraits and continues to sensitively highlight black masculinity against fear and violence. Through analysing his work students can gain insight into the challenges that were faced in the 1970’s and evaluate the degree to which they still recognise them in society today and where, how they may have been addressed.