Bigfoot have been delivering performances, assemblies, workshops and storytelling sessions in celebration of Black History Month since 2005. Each year our offer broadens and diversifies depending on feedback and requests from schools, and this year we are proud to have worked with a record-breaking number of pupils across the country!
Our HUGE range of inspiring programmes are designed help young people learn about the struggles and triumphs of our black ancestors and communities. From celebrating the achievements of black role models past and present in the most wonderful Carnival way, to visiting the continent of Africa with our friend Anansi, sharing stories of incredible black British people within our Hidden Figures programme, and celebrating influential individuals with our Black & British workshops. This year we were incredibly excited to launch our new ‘Big Experience: The Empire Windrush; Then and Now, allowing whole year groups to learn about and reflect on the experiences of the Windrush Generation and how can this pivotal period in history teach us lessons about embracing multicultural Britain today.
Each year we think that that the feedback from schools can’t get any better, but then it does! We have honestly been blown away by the most overwhelmingly positive feedback to our various programmes this year. Here are just a few of our favourite:
Carnival Of Heroes
An engaging and entertaining event that gave clear messages in a way that children could understand. The children all felt that they had a part to play in the event, despite being in a large group, and their enjoyment was written all over their faces! (Ann Day, Woodcote Primary School)
Hidden Figures
An incredibly engaging experience where both children and staff were able to learn about inspirational ‘hidden figures’ in Black British culture. (John Wood School and Nursery)
Come an’ See Anansi
Adrian ABSOLUTELY blew us away…He sang, he danced, he made us all laugh and most importantly he met the kids at their level. The workshops were hugely empowering and Adrian set clear boundaries and had high expectations of every class. Every child I have spoken to has begged me to make sure we get Adrian back next year. I will do everything in my power to make that happen! This year we just had workshops for years 3 and 4. Next year, I definitely want to make sure we provide something for every year group in the school. (Lavender Primary School)
The Empire Windrush; Then and Now
I think as the Windrush Generation is such a difficult topic for some of our children to understand, I felt it was great how the company made it very clear, simple and fun to learn about. We did our follow up lesson today and I was amazed to see that each child could tell me at least two or three things they learnt from the workshop – so I’d say it was successful! (Gidea Park Primary School)
We really appreciate staff members taking the time to tell us how much their pupils have enjoyed and valued our visits, it really means the world to us all at Bigfoot. Read some more feedback about each programme HERE
Finally, we’d like to say the most enormous THANK YOU to all the brilliant Bigfooters across the country who work so hard to bring this important work into schools. They all work with such dedication and enthusiasm – we are incredibly proud of them all! We are delighted to say that we will continue to offer our whole range of multicultural programmes throughout the year as, when it comes to black history month, we know no-one does it better than Bigfoot!