School_Matters_Issue_34

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BLACK HISTORY MATTERS

Black History Month in October provided an opportunity for pupils to learn more about the racial injustices of apartheid South Africa; to discover sometimes neglected contributors to Britain’s art history by being introduced to the work of key black artists; to see inspiring displays of black art and black icon posters around the school; and to enjoy members of the PE Faculty sharing their black sporting icons. From Windrush artist Althea McNish, dubbed ‘the first British designer of African descent to earn an international reputation’, to Siya Kolisi, who made history when he became South Africa’s first black rugby captain, pupils have encountered a plethora of black talent that deserves greater recognition. In response, pupils were challenged to research and nominate their own ‘Black Icon’. BHM continued with the recording of mini-films of pupils sharing their choices, further reflections on growing up in apartheid South Africa and a closer look at Robin Walker’s Black History Matters , one of the three titles shortlisted in the 13+ category of this year’s Information Book Awards. As well as revisiting the past, in an assembly presented by Mr Collins, pupils were implored to engage with what is happening today. When asked in twenty years’ time what it was like living in these transformational times, what will they say? Ms Helen Cleaves, Librarian

NEW IPS DIGITAL ARCHIVE

during the school’s evacuation to Little Gaddesden, Hertfordshire in the Second World War; an Anthology of Poems written by pupils whilst at Little Gaddesden; a bookmark with ‘recommended reads’. Resources will continuously be added to this site from our vast archives, so please do become a repeat visitor. The archive, which is open to all, is at: www.ipsarchives.weebly.com Ms Angela Platt, School Archivist

We have been delighted this academic year to launch our new Digital Archive Repository which contains a selection of digitised archives representing the School’s rich social and cultural history. Among the treasures to discover are: a thank you note for handkerchiefs sent to soldiers in Dieppe during the First World War; photographs of Main House from the 1920s; a letter from the then Headmistress Barbara Priestman to a (anonymous) parent who misses her child,

S9 HISTORIANS GET STUCK INTO THE NEW ARCHIVE Excited by the launch of the new IPS Digital Archive, Senior 9 Historians set out online to investigate. Pupils were asked to produce documentaries on life in the Blitz. They were delighted to discover the 'Little Gaddesden' section of the archive which covers the period of the school’s evacuation from London during the Second World War. A particular highlight was the letter from the Headmistress to a worried parent. The material prompted much useful discussion about people's experiences during the war and I was really impressed by the insights shown by the pupils. It is an impressive resource and we look forward to pupils across the age ranges engaging with it to enhance their learning. Ms Rachel Palmer, Head of Sixth Form