Black History Month sees a wealth of activities in all areas of school life. Pre-Prep Assembly was given this week by Miss McMillan, our Diversity & Inclusion Lead. She looked at work by Black artists, and set a creative challenge to the children to do some of their own research, and create their own work inspired by them. This challenge also extends to Middle and Upper School. Some impressive entries are already in and we will bring you more of the results in future editions of the Newsletter and on our social media.
In our new Arts, Technology, and Culture sessions, Upper School are exploring the History of Music, and will be listening to the work of Samuel Coleridge Taylor, whose name is finally taking its place in the canon of Western Classical Music alongside the ubiquitous Mozart and Beethoven. Year 6 have explored poetry by Maya Angelou, linking its use of birds as a metaphor with a poem by William Blake that they have already studied, and learning about Blake’s role as a vocal opponent of the Slave Trade. Year 2 have looked at Black pioneers in the worlds of science and sport.
There will be more Black History Month activities across October; next week sees Head of History Mr Ridge leading Assembly for Middle and Upper School on the topic of “Hidden Figures”, looking at some of those who have played a great role in shaping the world as we know it, but are only now receiving their due attention in terms of both academic study and popular awareness.
Finally this week, I would like to finish with two very pleasing announcements. First, our Harvest Festival Appeal raised a splendid £635 for The Clock Tower Sanctuary, who have already been in touch to give their thanks. My thanks to all who donated. Secondly, the 2023-24 Yearbook is now online for you to view. It looks back on all we achieved last year, and celebrates our 2024 Leavers, who are now embarked on their new journeys at senior school.
Ms Elizabeth Lyle, Head