In light of recent events prompted by the horrific murder of George Floyd, many of us are pausing to reflect upon issues of race and inequality. We have started this petition to adjust the academic strategies and British curriculum to give its students a substantial and foundational education in race, colonisation and slavery, particularly with regard to Britain’s role as an imperial power and oppressor.

We need to ensure the broadening of the school curriculum - across disciplines - to shed light on the structural inequalities still present within our society. The impacts of British colonialism and race relations are subjects that need to be given more precedence in the syllabus, rather than being ignored or briefly touched upon. Now more than ever, students need to learn about the entrenched racism in our society.

For many of us who studied GCSE history, for example, learning about Nazi Germany undoubtedly taught us to be wary of the racist idolatry that creeps across modern politics. Students learn that Germany during this period was bigoted, but are oblivious to British colonial history, racism in Britain and British migration narratives. The current curriculum omits the vast contributions made by all races and ethnicities to British society, both today and historically.

The curriculum should not be reinforcing the message that a sizeable proportion of the British population are not valued; the study of black history should not be confined to a single month, there should be greater diversity in the authors taught in English classes and PSHCE lessons could open up discussions on structural racism and white privilege. By incorporating alternative narratives within all subjects, we can create a generation of more tolerant, proactive and compassionate people. Not only is this kind of education important in shaping students as members of society, but it is important in accommodating, nurturing and encouraging the racial diversity of the school. The narratives of BAME students need to be included, so that they understand that they have a valid voice and place both in history and in the future.