Black History Matters

The arts give children the platform to act out difficult and painful situations that they may have never experienced before, but prepares them for when they might encounter something similar. It also develops good communication skills, confidence and self-reliance. But most of all it develops empathy.

Our summer theatre projects (sing a Book CIC) helps to develop all of these skills through drama, dance and song, while teaching children about historical characters of African descent that have made significant contributions to British and world history.

We pride ourselves on engaging children and older members from African, Caribbean and Asian communities, who are underrepresented in musical theatre, to get involved in our Dido Belle theatre projects as cast and audience members. While giving young creatives an opportunity to develop their craft and skills.


Useful resources


At the Foundation we have chosen some useful resources for learning about and engaging with Black History Month in your schools and some that you can use throughout the year to continue your learning.


Black history month 2021


Black history month advent calendar


Black Lives, Portraits of public and private lives against the shifting social climate of 20th century Britain.


A children’s book shop specialising in diversity and inclusion 


Classic books by writers of colour


Life Between Islands: Caribbean-British Art 1950s – Now


Country Houses and the British Empire: How Imperialism Transformed Britain’s Colonial Countryside

 


Other resources


Useful resources for learning and challenging assumptions and prejudice.


The Human Library® creates a safe space for dialogue where topics are discussed openly between our human books and their readers. If you are looking for an opportunity to learn more about an issue from someone who is living with it, this resource gives you the chance to explore that.

 

Are your assumptions right? Do you really know the global facts? Gapminder is an independent educational non-profit fighting global misconceptions. Take this mini quiz with your class to see if they are making the right assumptions about the state of the world.




Evadne Bygrave – Ambassador for the Steve Sinnott Foundation • October 25, 2021

Headlines: Inspiration, humour and advice for school leaders - Competition 2025

By Ann Beatty • August 15, 2025
Mike Fleetham of Thinking Classroom has written a book " Headlines: Inspiration, humour and advice for school leaders ". A collection of original ideas, advice from professionals, quotes, and tips to support and inspire all leaders. Perfect for new and established leaders working in education, especially headteachers. "Being a headteacher is like looking both ways before you cross the road, and then getting hit by an aeroplane." To Enter the Competition To win a copy of Headlines please share your inspiring education or life lesson in no more than 600 words. The winning article will also be published in our next edition of Engage. Send your words of inspiration to admin@stevesinnottfoundation.org.uk 📅 Deadline: 5th September 2025⁠ Stuck on Ideas? Here are some questions and prompts to get you started! What’s the one lesson school didn’t teach you, but life did? Think of a moment that changed your path, what happened? What piece of advice has helped you grow the most? When did a challenge turn into an opportunity for you? What story from your life would inspire someone on the other side of the world? What’s the life lesson that unlocked your next chapter? ⁠ Your words could uplift, empower and be seen by many. Let your story inspire the world! 🌍💡⁠ Good luck and we cant wait to read all the entries!

UNESCO ASPnet Schools Coventry

By Ann Beatty • July 8, 2025
This week our CEO Ann and Jude (SSF Ambassador) visited schools in Coventry and heard about the wonderful work that students are doing to foster peace and community connection, as part of Coventry Arts Week. We visited Lyng Hall school in the morning and met with Ms Hagan and four of the schools UNESCO ASPnet ambassadors. They told us all about their recent project. The students took their art and poetry to the 80th Anniversary symposium in Ypres and Dunkirk. They shared with us some of the poetry they had written together with the students on the field trip and some of their own poems too. They also shared their future plans for working with their local primary school on peace and community. We also had the privilege of joining Ms Hagans class where they were looking at Caliban’s tale. Here is one of the students work

A Get Moving Fundraiser - Ann's 60 Miles Walk

By Ann Beatty • June 30, 2025
For my birthday this year I had the honour to walk 60 miles (yes it was a big 0 birthday) over 3 days to support the essential work of the Steve Sinnott Foundation of which I am CEO. Education in its many forms is essential for all of us to thrive and make the most of life's opportunities. The Foundation works to ensure that as many children and adults as possible across the globe can access the human right of education. The plan was to walk with friends and supporters who I hoped would keep me smiling along the way and it felt like a good way to make use of the Foundation’s “Get Moving” campaign. Here's how my Get Moving Fundraiser went on the first day. The 13th June I started my walk in London by walking from Barnet to west Hampstead and visiting my sister at her shop at Tree of Life where I got served a nice iced coffee to keep me going.