October marks Black History Month, a national celebration of the contributions and achievements of black people in the UK, achievements which have helped to shape the fabric of our society.

Throughout the month students across Laurus Trust schools will take part in a wide range of activities and lessons to further their understanding of Black History and its significance.

Each school will be running its own programme of events including house competitions, film and documentary screenings as well as historical research, to complement and contribute to an already diverse year-round curriculum.

Areas of focus will include the lives and stories of authors behind texts that students will study in KS3 and KS4, along with the history of migration from Africa to Britain during the Roman Empire right through to the modern day. Examining the experience and impact of Black Africans throughout historical periods such as the Tudor era and the Industrial Revolution will also go towards challenging misconceptions about British History and highlight the incredible influence that black people have had on the country throughout time.

Prominent people such as poet Benjamin Zephaniah, author Zadie Smith and writer and broadcaster David Olusoga OBE, who is also Professor of Public History at the University of Manchester, are just some of the famous names students will have the chance to learn more about and be inspired by.

The Laurus Trust is fully committed to the teaching and learning of diversity. Black History Month is important in recognising and celebrating the ongoing impact made by people of African and Caribbean descent in Britain and we look forward to the month of activities ahead.