Ruth Cadbury MP has called on the Government to introduce the compulsory teaching of black and colonial history in school while praising the efforts of community groups and teachers in Hounslow to teach and promote black history locally.In her speech Ruth said ‘‘making black and colonial history compulsory in our schools, particularly the GCSE curriculum, is a first step, but clearly a vital one, and it resonates with students in my constituency from those whose parents, grandparents or great-grandparents came from across the world, as well as from down the road”.Ruth also praised the work of local teachers such as Sam Jones at Bolder Academy who chairs Be Bold History, a network which allows teachers to share resources and improve the teaching of black and colonial history.Speaking after her speech Ruth said:‘‘I know how strongly so many residents in Hounslow feel about the importance of teaching black and colonial history in our schools.While I know that some schools do an amazing job in teaching diverse histories, we need to ensure that this is rolled out nationally. Which is why I called on the Government to make it compulsory within the GCSE curriculum. A very low proportion of schools cover the black and colonial history options in the GCSE curriculum, because at present they are optional.We know from the Macpherson and the Windrush Scandal reports, that the lack of diversity in our school curriculum has a huge impact on how government departments respond to racism.I will continue to work both in Parliament and locally to ensure we’re doing everything possible to tackle racism and celebrate the diverse communities here in Hounslow.’’ Notes to Editors.
- Ruth’s full speech at the Black History Month Debate in the House of Commons can be found here.