Beyond October: Black History in schools

This October, many schools across the country will be celebrating Black History Month. As a headteacher, I believe Black History Month plays an essential role in fostering inclusivity, respect and understanding in our school community. While dedicating time to celebrating Black history is important, it’s just as crucial to ensure that diverse voices and experiences are woven into the curriculum throughout the entire year—not just in October.

As parents, we all want to prepare our children for a future where they understand and appreciate the diversity of the world they live in.

Why Black History Month still matters

Black History Month gives us a dedicated time to spotlight the significant contributions Black individuals have made to society, culture and history. It offers a chance to highlight stories that are often overlooked in mainstream narratives. For many children, especially those from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, seeing themselves reflected in the curriculum can be a powerful experience. It fosters a sense of pride, belonging and validation.

During Black History Month, we make sure our students learn about influential Black figures—both historical and contemporary. Whether it’s discussing civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. or celebrating present-day trailblazers like Marcus Rashford, we want our students to grasp the richness and diversity of Black history and how it has shaped the world we live in today.

More than a monthly spotlight

While Black History Month is an important time of learning and reflection, we must go beyond limiting Black history to just one month. True inclusivity means ensuring that our curriculum is diverse and representative throughout the entire school year. At our school, we regularly explore themes of diversity, inclusion and fairness—not just in history lessons, but across all subjects.

For instance, in PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic) education, we teach children about equality, empathy, and respect for people from all backgrounds. Our assemblies often focus on key topics like diversity, anti-racism, and global citizenship. This creates a learning environment where children feel empowered to appreciate the contributions of all communities, including the Black community, every day—not just in October.

Bringing diversity to every classroom

At our school, we believe representation matters across all subjects—not just in history. 

Here’s how we make sure diverse voices and contributions are highlighted:

• In English, we use a variety of books and stories featuring characters from different cultural backgrounds, written by authors from underrepresented groups. This extends to our story time selections as well.
   
• In art and music, we celebrate the contributions of Black artists and musicians, exploring how they’ve influenced global culture.
   
• In science, we highlight the work of Black inventors and scientists, helping students see that people of all races have played key roles in shaping modern knowledge and innovation.

This approach ensures that Black history and contributions are not seen as separate from the broader narrative of human history but as an integral part of it.

How parents can support year-round inclusivity

Parents play a crucial role in supporting the school’s commitment to inclusivity. 

Here are some simple ways to reinforce this at home:

• Encourage diverse reading
  Introduce your child to books, movies and media that reflect a wide range of voices and experiences. Visit your local library or bookshop to find stories featuring characters from different backgrounds. Ask the school for recommendations if you're unsure where to start.
   
• Have open conversations
  Talk with your child about what they’re learning—not just during Black History Month, but year-round. Encourage curiosity, ask questions and promote empathy. Even a 10-minute conversation over dinner can make a significant difference in your child's understanding of diversity and inclusivity.
   
• Engage with school events
  Attend assemblies, participate in discussions, and get involved in the school’s efforts to promote inclusivity. When parents and schools work together, we can ensure that every child feels seen, valued, and respected.

Creating a school where everyone belongs

While Black History Month is a key part of ensuring every family feels welcome, the commitment to diversity, inclusion and representation should go far beyond it. 

By teaching Black history and celebrating Black contributions year-round, we provide a richer, more balanced education that prepares our children to respect and appreciate the diversity of the world they live in.

Matt Revill is a primary school headteacher with over 20 years experience of working in schools. He has worked in a range of settings and currently works within a multi-academy trust of 14 schools. In his free time, he enjoys reading, computing, holidaying and spending time with his family and friends. Matt has a son who is currently working his way through A-levels at college.