Cultural exhibition tours the county
Arty Warwickshire youngsters have seen their work displayed this month in a touring exhibition to celebrate Black History Month.
The artwork, including pictures, sculptures and models, was created by pupils from three Warwickshire primary schools who were inspired by last year’s ‘We were there’ exhibition about the contributions made by ethnic minorities to British defence.
Sydenham Primary School in Leamington, Rugby’s St Andrew’s Benn and Cannon Maggs in Bedworth, supported by Warwickshire County Council’s Race Equality Officer and National Heritage Officer, worked on their art projects over the last academic year.
Black history teaching was introduced into different curriculum areas to give students a deeper understanding of the contributions of ethnic minorities to British arts, literature and science.
The schools used a range of methods to reinforce learning such as internet and textbook research, multi-cultural resources, cookery and craft sessions and inviting speakers from local community groups into the school. This helped pupils develop ideas which they used for their creative work.
The exhibition was launched at Charlecote Park on the 5 October where it stayed until 10 October. Alms House in Bedworth hosted the show until 16 October, and this week St Andrews Benn Church in Rugby is housing the display.
School groups have been along to the exhibition to learn more about the history behind some of the artwork and the county council designed some lesson plans for the visiting schools to take away and implement in their own settings.
The council’s race equality officer Shearon Williams said: “The three schools worked extremely hard on the exhibition and to embed race issues into their curriculum teaching. We are looking forward to supporting more of our schools as they undertake similar projects this year.”
Warwickshire County Councillor Izzi Seccombe, Portfolio Holder for Children Young People and Families said: “The exhibition is a unique and inspiring way to celebrate Black History Month, bringing focus to our society’s ethnic diversity. It offers fantastic opportunities for schools in the county to share cultures and learn from each other and is a great public showcase for the excellent work of some of our pupils.”