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Theme of the Week - Black History Month 2025
What is Black History Month?
Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements, culture, and contributions of Black people throughout history and today. It’s also a chance to learn about the struggles Black communities have faced and continue to face and how they’ve overcome them with strength, creativity, and resilience.
It’s not just about the past, it’s about understanding the present and shaping a better future for everyone.
History of Black History Month
Timeline of Events
Black History Month began in the United States in 1926, when historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson launched “Black History Week” to highlight the often-overlooked achievements of Black Americans. He originally chose February because it includes the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass—two figures who played key roles in the fight against slavery.
Over time, the week grew into a month-long celebration. In the UK, Black History Month was first celebrated in 1987. It was introduced to raise awareness of Black history in British schools and to celebrate the contributions of African and Caribbean communities to British society.
1863: Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, proclaiming all slaves held in rebel territory freed
1865: The 13th Amendment is signed into law, abolishing slavery and involuntary servitude.
1926: Black History Week is created by Carter G. Woodson to bring attention and encourage reflection on Black history
1955: Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger, leading to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which lasted 382 days
1963: Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his famous “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washingotn for Jobs and Freedom
1976: President Gerald Ford proclaims Black History Month an official U.S holiday
2008: Barack Obama is elected the first black president
2020: Kamala Harris becomes the first black Vice President
Head of House:
Miss A Pearson
House Points:
96,077
Head of House:
Mr A Reed
House Points:
89,416
Head of House:
Miss S Brader
House Points:
89,476
Head of House:
Mrs A Graves
House Points:
88,394
Head of House:
Miss A Rimmer
House Points:
95,706
Head of House:
Mr A Waring
House Points:
98,642
Messages Head of Houses
💙 Welcome Back, Blue House! 💙
I hope you’ve had a fantastic summer and are ready for an amazing year ahead. A special welcome to our new Year 7s—welcome to the team! You’re now part of a house built on pride, positivity, and determination.
To our returning students: last year you showed what it means to be Blue House—resilient, united, and always striving for more. This year, let’s keep that momentum going.
Let’s Believe, Learn, Understand, Excel—every single day.
Whether you’re new or returning, remember: Blue House is more than a colour—it’s a team. And together, we’re unstoppable.
Let’s make this year unforgettable!💪💙
Miss Pearson
💚 Welcome Back, Green House! 💚
I hope you’ve all had a refreshing and well-deserved summer break. As we begin this new academic year, I want to start by extending a special welcome to our new Year 7 students—welcome to Green House! You’re now part of a team that’s built on pride, spirit, and a deep sense of belonging. We’re thrilled to have you with us and can’t wait to see the energy and ideas you’ll bring.
To all returning students: last year was nothing short of inspiring. From our victories in competitions to the way you supported one another through challenges, you showed what it truly means to wear green with pride. I’m incredibly proud of everything we accomplished together—your resilience, your teamwork, and your commitment to excellence made Green House shine.
This year, let’s build on that success. Let’s aim higher, cheer louder, and continue to be the House that leads with heart and determination. Whether you’re new or returning, remember: Green House is more than a colour—it’s a community, and every one of you makes it stronger.
Let’s make this year unforgettable. 💪💚
Mr Reed
Welcome back Orange House.
What an incredible year we had together last academic year—I am beyond proud of every single one of you for the effort, spirit, and determination you showed. We celebrated so many successes, and now it’s time to hit the ground running and keep that momentum going strong.
A huge welcome to our brand-new Year 7 cohort—you are now part of something special! You belong to an amazing house, and I know you’ll wear your Orange badge with pride. Go Team Orange!
I truly cannot wait to embark on this new academic year with you all. Let’s make it another year to remember.
Miss Brader
💜Welcome Back Purple House💜
I hope everyone has had a restful summer break and has had the opportunity to enjoy the great weather we were lucky enough to have this summer. After 6 weeks off I hope you are all refreshed and ready to begin what will be a great new academic year.
Firstly, I would like to say a BIG welcome to our new year 7 students – welcome to purple house – I look forward to seeing what the year brings with a new bunch of energetic and enthusiastic pupils to join the team.
Returning pupils – I cannot wait to see what this year brings. Your determination and resilience last year was unwavering – and although we maybe did not achieve the success of other houses, there were many small wins along the way, sports day for example, that made me proud to be Head of Purple House. Let’s use these to motivate and inspire us to make this the best year yet. Let’s be aspirational, work harder, aim higher, believe in ourselves and engage in this great community around us.
Here is to Purple Houses best year yet.
Mrs Graves
🎉 Welcome Back, Red House Legends! 🔴
We’re thrilled to welcome you back for another exciting school year! As proud members of Red House, you’ve already shown what it means to lead with passion, determination, and heart — and this year, we’re aiming even higher. 💪🔥
Get ready to rise to new challenges, support each other like family, and show everyone the true Red House spirit. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the field, or during house competitions — this is our time to shine!
Let’s go, Red House — Stronger. Bolder. United.
Miss Rimmer
May I start by welcoming you all back to the start of our Summer Term. I hope you have had a peaceful break and are ready to avail of the opportunities and challenges which lie ahead of us for the remainder of the academic year.
To all Year 11s who are beginning their GCSE examinations, I want to wish you the very best of luck. You have all worked incredibly hard to this point and hope you are able to show how much you have achieved in your years here at Giles. Remember to stay calm, pace yourselves and believe in your abilities. Everyone here is ready to support you, and watch you succeed.
To the rest of Yellow House, I would like to commend you on the resilience you have all shown since September. I am humbled by your welcome, and inspired by how you have represented your house this year with maturity, respect and determination. I hope that together we can keep that momentum going until the end of the year. We have, as a house team, plenty of opportunities to step towards our aspirations – be it in the classroom, on the sports field, or simply in how we support one another day to day.
Together we have got this – don’t count the minutes, make the minutes count.
Mr Waring
British Values
The nine protected characteristics
Recent House Competitions - Tutor Board Competition
