This year Eastbrook reconsidered the traditional approach to Black History Month during October. We wanted to make it more celebratory and use the opportunity to challenge everyone at the school to think differently and more ambitiously about recognising black achievements and making equality central to the work of the school. As such, and in consultation with our students, we rebranded BHM as ‘Black Excellence.’

All subjects adapted their curriculum to focus on the achievements of black people in their areas of study, and our students engaged in a wide range of activities including a Character Education programme during form time, a celebration concert and disco that raised £190 for charity, and an Art competition. It has been a particularly inspiring time for Eastbrook and one that we are determined to build on as part of our commitment to equality for all. Some of these commitments are described in more detail below.

Our equalities curriculum – Click here to view the ‘road map’ which represents the events that we will recognise during the year. This was developed in consultation with our students and reflects the wonderful diversity of our school

Ongoing Black Excellence – Ultimately the aim is that we have equality is embedded in our curriculum to the point that that there will be less need for ‘events’ such as BHM to take place. In pursuit of this, the school commits to continuing the Black Excellence work that has started this month over the course of the rest of the year.

Subscribing to the LBBD Race and Social Justice Charter – We are an active participant in the Race and Social Justice work that is taking place across the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. Part of that work has been to develop a ‘Charter’ which summarises the intent across the Local Authority to refine the work we all do in pursuit of this agenda. We fully commit top all aspects of it. Click here to see the charter

Further training for staff and students about all aspects of equality – It is important that all members of the school community continue to learn and are well informed about all matters relating to equality. As such there will be an ongoing programme of INSET training for staff and curriculum opportunities for students.

A review of our behaviour policy – it is important that our policy and procedures reflect the importance of equality, and effectively support all groups when unacceptable behaviour relates to protected characteristics. Our policies are always evolving to reflect the nature of our school and the relevant policies will be reviewed in consultation with our stakeholders

Commissioning and external equalities review – to ensure that our work is effective, we will enlist the support of an external company who specialise in supporting large organisations to develop and improve their policies and procedures with regard to equality and social justice.

I want to thank all of the staff, particularly the ‘Black Excellence Team’ of Mr Glanville, Ms Basir, Ms Morson and Mr Onwuejeogwu., Mr Tobias who oversaw the programme, and all of students who helped to make ‘Black Excellence’ such an inspiring piece of work. I look forward to working with all members of our school community to ensure that we continue to provide opportunities to value and celebrate the diversity we have at Eastbrook School