A spotlight on Diego Bartolomeu: The boy bringing the black curriculum to school
Are you keen to see more changes in how black history and black experiences are represented in schools? Your next role model might well be this inspiring student…
Diego Bartolomeu is no ordinary student: he’s officially a world changer! Celebrated as a finalist in Pearson World Changer Awards, Diego – who has a black father and a white mother – has been championing a more inclusive curriculum for British schools – one that stretches across the year, and is not limited to Black History Month alone.
One boy, one plan
Motivated by global events in 2020 – with the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter protests – 13-year-old Diego was inspired to take action: “I decided to write to my Principal and one of the history teachers, and ask them if they thought it was a good idea to make a group that would explore a black curriculum at my school.”
To his delight, the teachers were supportive of his plan – and helped him set up a group with his peers to discuss different topics for inclusion in their curriculum, including subjects such as the colonisation of African countries, British activists, and movements for equality. By contacting his local MP, Kate Green – current Shadow Secretary of State for Education – he has also mobilised interest in parliament to discuss a black curriculum.
Making a difference
Diego’s story goes to show how the actions of just one person can have a significant impact – and how important it is to pursue the drive for diversity.
"I want every person, no matter what colour, gender, age, and ethnicity to all feel included in what they learn and in the world that we live in."
As he puts it: “Unconscious bias, systematic racism, or indeed racism of any kind needs to be stamped out… I want every person, no matter what colour, gender, age, and ethnicity to all feel included in what they learn and in the world that we live in.”
According to independent research from Pearson, two-thirds of teachers were prompted to think about the diversity of what they teach due to the Black Lives Matter Movement – much like Diego – while one third felt that the diversity of pupils and the world around them was not reflected in education provided in UK schools.
So how do we achieve better representation in our schools and settings? How do we make sure all learners feel included, seen and valued?
Beyond Black History Month
Initiatives like Black History Month can be great springboards for permanent change, opening learners and educators up to new ideas, influences and stories. Keep an eye out for events that help expand conversations around race and colour – many, including Pearson’s autumn webinars will be available online for free.
Try to encourage broad, empathetic conversations in your classrooms too: ask students about their views, inspire them to research lesser-known topics around black, Asian and minority ethnic experiences, and signpost their way to texts written by people of colour that they might otherwise not have considered. And if you can see a potential world changer in your classroom? Nurture that dialogue and watch it grow.
“My advice to other children and young people who are passionate about something and want to make a difference is to speak out,” Diego says. “If the door shuts on you, or you face obstacles, keep on trying and looking for opportunities – I certainly intend to keep trying!”
“My advice to other children and young people who are passionate about something and want to make a difference is to speak out."
You can read more about Diego Bartolomeu and his World Changer recognition. Diego has also recently been shortlisted for the PSHE Education Award at the CYP Now Awards 2021.
Want to know more about our Diversity & Inclusion events? Explore our autumn event series or follow us on twitter @PearsonSchools and the hashtag #BlackHistoryMonth.