Grammar students in Black History curriculum call

STUDENTS and school leaders from eight King Edward VI schools in Birmingham are demanding ‘systematic change’ to tackle racism issues.

The group says it represents more than 7,700 voices in an open letter to headteachers of the grammar schools in the city.

They are now urging a three-point action plan for the schools to introduce including:

Black British History and race education in the curriculum;

A stricter approach to combating racial abuse;

And more support to allow students to report issues of racism safely. The campaign was sparked by the recent murder of unarmed black man George Floyd in America.

“We believe that change must go beyond just police departments and into all aspects of society,” says Adeen Irfan, 16, chair of the Student Council at King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys.

The group has been backed by MPs as well as the Executive Director of the entire King Edward VI Academy Trust. “We hope to give pupils a seat at the table to push for the action they want to see on racism and race education,” said Adeen. “Implementing Black History would do a lot to challenge the racial prejudices many of us are exposed to. Learning about black people not just as victims, but as writers, poets, artists, and pioneers is important to challenge these prejudices.

“Ultimately teaching black history shouldn’t be done just because it’s black history but rather because it’s our collective history.

“History from a white perspective, glorifying the wars Britain won and ignoring the cruelty of the empire isn’t good enough in the 21st century.”

One of the calls for change include creating a safe space for pupils to report racial abuse.

“Black and minority ethnic pupils in all schools should have a fully trained member of staff to which they can share things that they may feel uncomfortable sharing with a white member of staff.” said Adeen. “Another solution to this problem is the use of an online reporting system which I understand some schools use.”