As part of Black History Month 2026, children at Ecclesbourne have been learning about and celebrating figures and events of Black British significance under the theme ‘Honouring our Communities’.
Here is a snapshot of some of the learning that has been going on around the school:
– Year 6 made some fabulous headdresses inspired by Notting Hill Carnival. Having learnt about the origins, purpose and key features of Carnival, and delved into some Caribbean culture and geography, children put their design skills to the test to create headdresses in keeping with traditional Carnival style.
– Year 5 studied Sislin Fay Allen, Britain’s first Black female police officer. She was born in Jamaica and came to Britain as a young woman before joining the Metropolitan Police at 29 years of age. Her first day in the job was ‘on the beat’ in Croydon. She said she knew she was a history-maker as she had to run away from journalists, and she was proud of the fact that she led the way for more Black women to join the police (when she started, only 3% of police officers were from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds).
– Year 4 looked at the book ‘Black and British’ by David Olusoga. They learnt about the abolition of the slave trade and how Olaudah Equiano and Ottobah Cugoano helped form the Sons of Africa, a group of Black Britons who worked together to campaign for the end of slavery.
– Year 3 learnt about Pablo Fanque, famous for being Britain’s first recorded Black circus owner, who started as a very talented performer at the age of 10 before growing up to create his own circus show which was the most popular of its time. He was also known for holding charity events to raise money to support injured performers in a time before the NHS, when not everyone could afford hospital treatment.
– Year 2 focused on John Blanke, linked to their thematic learning about the Tudors. They found out that John was the first recorded Black person in Tudor history and he was a trumpeter in the court of King Henry VIII. They found out more about John through looking at the 1511 Westminster Tournament Rolls, various tapestries, plaques, wages for pay and hand-written letters from John Blanke, himself.
– Year 1 read ‘Look Up’ by Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adelola, whose main character Rocket is inspired by her hero, Dr. Mae Jemison. Mae was the first Black female astronaut, who logged over 190 hours in space among other achievements such as her work in the Peace Corps as a medical officer and her efforts to open up STEM opportunities for children. Astronauts class was also very lucky to have a member of our school community come in and read ‘Bippity Bop Barber Shop’, a story that celebrates Black culture and community.
– Reception immersed themselves in the music of Bob Marley, making their own drums and learning some of his songs.
