The Black Curriculum report on the teaching of Black History

The Black Curriculum has recently launched a new report on the teaching of Black History in schools in Britain and a campaign to change the National Curriculum. The report explores how the current History National Curriculum systematically omits the contribution of Black British history in favour of a dominant White, Eurocentric curriculum. Its recommendations for the education sector require policy, pedagogical and research intervention to broaden the current curricula available, including:

1. Developing a multicultural diverse National Curriculum.
2. Re-conceptualising ‘Britishness’ to incorporate all of our histories and stories.
3. Diversifying the history teaching workforce.
4. Widening the scope of Black history study.

“During this particularly factious time within our societal history, the need for a curriculum that redefines conceptions of ‘Britishness’ and how this aligns to our values and identities is integral towards developing an inclusive classroom that establishes belonging in the curriculum on offer,” said historian, writer and recent First Class graduate from SOAS, Lavinya Stennett, Founder & CEO of The Black Curriculum, “The History National Curriculum in its current guise continues to disassociate Britain from a legacy that has oppressed Black people historically in favour of a more romanticised, filtered legacy that positions Britannia as all-conquering and eternally embracive of ethnic and cultural difference.”

“Being excluded from the national curriculum and relegated to Black history month, sends the message that Black people are not valued, their contributions to Britain are irrelevant, and their stories (outside of slavery and Windrush) are not important. This impacts ALL students and results in:

- a lack of understanding about the communities around them and a sense of belonging
- an impaired sense of identity and low self esteem
- a distorted view of history”

In a bid to resolve the problem, Lavinya formed the social enterprise The Black Curriculum, that aims to teach and support the teaching of Black history all year round, both in and out of schools. The social enterprise is committed to the teaching and support of Black history to:

1. To provide a sense of belonging and identity to young people across the UK.
2. To teach an accessible educational Black British history curriculum that raises attainment for young people.
3. To improve social cohesion between young people in the UK.

Its programmes are for all young people aged 8-16 and aim to equip young people with a sense of identity, and the tools for a diverse landscape. The Black Curriculum is also working towards changing the national curriculum. For further information visit https://www.theblackcurriculum.com/

Click to download a copy of The Black Curriculum Report 2020.