Collages decorate school to mark Black History Month

A John Willmott Black History project saw students at the Sutton school create powerful images of inspirational black figures – and learn about others through video messages.

Throughout October, students took part in the John Willmott Black History Month project, culminating in an afternoon of House Enrichment activities. 

Students watched videos from staff talking about inspirational and trail blazing black figures ranging from Daryl Davis (musician and activist) to Brian Lara (international cricketer).

John Willmott Black History project gets message from Notting Hill Carnival boss

They were also lucky enough to have a specially recorded message from Ansel Wong, who co-founded Black History Month as well as being the former chair of The Notting Hill Carnival. 

The school’s Heads of House also selected influential black figures for students to reflect on and collaboratively make collages of: Star Wars star John Boyega; MBE-winning footballers Alex Scott and Marcus Rashforfd, and legendary Brummie poet Benjamin Zephaniah.

These are now proudly on display at the front of the building for students, staff and visitors to see as they walk towards reception. 

The Heads of House were thrilled with the students’ enthusiasm and attitudes, ensuring that the afternoon was a huge success.

Sam Baggot, Head of Spitfire said: “It was a really important afternoon and to see our students engage with such emotive issues in a mature and reflective manner was fantastic”.

“We are incredibly proud of our Enrichment afternoons which are part of our broad and balanced curriculum”
– lisa lockley

Lisa Lockley added: “We are incredibly proud of our Enrichment afternoons which are part of our broad and balanced curriculum; our Heads of House work meticulously to ensure that our students have opportunities to discuss; experience and create things they wouldn’t necessarily get to do- and under current circumstances that is more important than ever.”

For more on John Willmott, click here.

To visit the John Willmott website, click here.

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