A NEW TERM BEGINS

So with just a few days left of the most non-summer summer holiday in living memory, it is time for an update before term starts again. The most exciting news is that the Equiano Exhibition at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery will be opening on September 29th and running through to January 30th 2008. The exhibition is free and will have some absolutely fantastic exhibits, as well as a really impressive Education Pack (if I say so myself!). Arthur Torrington, of the Equiano Society and the team from BMAG have really worked hard to make the exhibition really dynamic and inspiring, and some of the highlights include originals of Equiano's autobiography 'The Interesting Narrative', abolitionist memorabilia, seafaring artefacts similar to those that Equiano used and there was even talk about having some of the Benin Bronzes which would be the first time that they have ever been exhibited outside of London. Any school which visits the exhibition will get a free copy of the education pack, which includes eight lessons based on the different episodes in Equiano's life, a CD Rom with all of the worksheets, additional information packs (and possibly some images) and a poster. The lessons have been written to cover a wide range of activities including role play, podcasting and using moviemaker, and the pack has been designed very professionally so that the material looks really great. I was very excited when I saw the proofs a few weeks ago and can't wait to see the final product. I am also really looking forward to the launch / private view of the exhibition on the evening of the 28th September.

There has been a lot of talk recently about the need for Black role models, particularly after the recent spate of attacks by or on young Black men. It is interesting to note that there hasn't been the same outcry after the shocking killing of Rhys Jones in Liverpool recently. I wonder why that is so? I have been posting up some thoughts about role models on the new Facebook club that I set up earlier this summer. I shall again be organising the annual Raising Horizons event at my school, where invited role models will come in to be interviewed by the boys and then participate in a Question Time event in the afternoon. Any volunteers most welcome, just email me or let me know here.

I have also been having some potentially very interesting discussions with the soon to be defunct Commission for Racial Equality about their website www.teachingaboutslavery.org.uk/ which will carry some fantastic material from across the whole curriculum about the Transatlantic Slave Trade. I will keep you posted about any further developments.

Of course Black History Month is almost upon us so keep it locked for more news on that front soon.

#Posted 31 August 2007 at 2:43 PM

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