The whole school community has been engaged in a huge variety of events this week as Black History Month began. We enjoyed a launch assembly, led by sixth formers, Femi, Nayomi, Kyah and Jayne who chose to focus on music as a pathway for change and highlighting the ways that lyrics can empower, educate and galvanise action.

Our pupils gave TED-style talks including Alyssa’s presentation on Bessie Coleman, the first African-American woman to hold a pilot licence, and the sixth form Diversity Society leaders explored their heritages – focusing on Nigeria and Jamaica which sparked lots of conversation. Daphne captivated the audience with her experiences of moving to London five years ago from Nigeria, describing some key differences in daily life.

In class, there have been philosophical discussions on what statues are for, the legacy of African mathematicians, inspirational Black women in Business and Economics, pioneering computer scientists and scientists as well as a Treasure Hunt of Black British people everyone should know.

Accent, our caterers, also offered themed cuisine with Jamaican jerk chicken with rice and peas which went down very well!

The week closed in style with our first talk in this year’s Lecture Series  delivered by Maria McDowell, Founder of Lollipop Mentoring and Campaign magazine’s ‘top pick’ of inspirational women for International Women’s Day 2022. Read more. 

It has been a fascinating start to BHM 2022 and we look forward to more next week!

Sydenham High School BHM Schedule 2022