According to a new report, the national curriculum in England is failing to reflect the UK’s multi-ethnic society as it "systematically omits the contribution of black British history in favour of a dominant white, Eurocentric curriculum." This approach dissociates Britain from a legacy that has oppressed black people. The report calls for a redefinition of conceptions of Britishness that includes black history as a body of knowledge. It also suggests greater diversity in the history teaching workforce and highlights how the teaching of Black history benefits not only Black students but is also valuable to British society as a whole.
The Black Curriculum report, authored by Dr Jason Arday of Durham University, is part of a surge in the campaign to entrench black British history in the national curriculum and educate children throughout the academic year. The report concludes that broadening the scope of black history study can lead to a better understanding of and help society unravel and unlearn many of the age-old racial stereotypes that linger into the present.
To make classroom studies more inclusive, the report recommends that students in English classes read more poetry, fiction, and nonfiction written by black authors, alongside works by Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, and William Shakespeare. The report advocates inclusion of black mathematicians and scientists in their lessons, alongside the study of maths in sub-Saharan Africa.
The report also offers suggestions outside of the history curriculum to create a more inclusive environment, where greater cultural esteem can be created, and a sense of belonging developed. A retired primary school headteacher, Yvonne Davis, is raising money to send copies of 100 Great Black Britons to every school across the UK. Patrick Vernon and Dr Angelina Osborne authored the book, which celebrates the achievements of black people in Britain. Davis argues that the book’s distribution is essential to develop a sense of cultural identity, foster dialogue and questions between pupils, and inspire resilience and determination.
