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In October, Chobham Academy students were yet again treated to a thorough array of innovative and exciting experiences to mark the celebration of Black History Month 2019.

As a result of the historian and author Paula Perry’s visit to the academy last year to promote her best-selling book “Black British History”, Chobham’s Learning Resources Centre is fully stocked with this book for both staff and students to enjoy and learn more about an exciting and interesting black history that developed in Britain.

Staff also took part in a thought provoking and meaningful conversation with each other named an “Inspire Me Staff Talk” about the Black British experience in this country not just for adults, but for the students that are taught at the academy, and what they as a staff body can further do to support these students with their experience inside and outside of school.

The historian Tony Warner visited us once again to deliver an interactive and fun assembly and workshops to Year 10 about a vast and hidden world black history. From Obelisks to the exportation of sugar, Year 10 were really able to get stuck in with learning more about the opportunities that have been offered by many great known and unknown figures from the black community across the world and through time.

The Year 12 History students were also treated by what Tony Warner could offer, as they took part in his bespoke Black History Walk and tour of London, where students were able to open their eyes and minds to the contributions of both Africans and Caribbeans in Britain.

The Performing Arts department put on yet another amazing Black History Month performance evenings. The talent displayed by students was outstanding as they celebrated in a vibrant and fun way, the amazing attributes of the global Black community. From speeches, singing to dance group performances, all would agree it was a night not to be missed.

World renowned picture book illustrator Dapo Adeola joined our Year 7 and 8 students to teach them about vibrant black superheroes and how to draw some of their own. They were also able to create a character together as a class with the exceptional skills of Dapo. Please check out his published best seller publications “Look Up” and “The Last Last-Day-of-Summer”.

Ensuring that most, if not all, of the senses were delighted, Chobham Academy also dedicated their Friday lunch menu to Black History Month, by cooking up a delicious lunch menu of Jerk chicken, rice and peas, plantain, coleslaw and puff-puff for desert.

Last but not least, every year group from Year 7 to Year 13, were treated to an innovative assembly led by Mrs Kibela-Purnell about the wonderful and inspirational horse warrior and princess who became a queen – Yennenga. The assembly provided all students with a sense of pride and a factual story about African Royalty.

We hope that your children were able to share their Black History Month experiences with you at home. Please keep these amazing conversations current at home and throughout the year.

Mrs Kibela-Purnell