Diversity and inclusion in history

We believe that the History curriculum should be representative and inclusive of all learners, and reflect the ways that Britain has been shaped by its interactions with the wider world.

Recent and current events have highlighted that we need, and want, to do more to ensure our History curriculum fully reflects today's students, and is free from bias. While the journey to making this a reality may be complex and far reaching, a key step to realising this is working together with key stakeholders, schools, and young people to drive this change.

Diversity and inclusion in history

Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) History

Migrants in Britain and Notting Hill Official Launch Event

In October 2021 we held an in-person launch event and panel discussion for the new Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) History topic Migrants in Britain, c800-present and Notting Hill, c1948-c1970 at the Migration Museum in Lewisham, South East London. It was exciting to welcome guests to an event for the first time since early 2020 and to feel the enthusiasm of teachers who have started to teach it or will be teaching it from 2022 and beyond.

The panel discussion featured some wonderful panellists and the discussion covered topics such as why migration is an important area of study; what benefits Migrants in Britain brings for History teachers and students; and how teachers can prepare themselves to teach this fascinating topic.

Watch the panel discussion

Edexcel GCSE (9-1) History - New Migration Thematic Study

New Migration Thematic Study

As part of our commitment to building a more inclusive History curriculum, we have added a new Migration topic, Migrants in Britain, c800-present and Notting Hill c1948-1970, to our current Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) History specification.

Having worked closely with Ofqual, the new topic is now ready and available for first teaching from September 2021 and first assessment in 2022.  

Download the information booklet

We know that getting up and running with teaching a new topic involves time and preparation. We are fully committed to supporting you to teach this important topic.

The following support materials are available for you to freely download:

  • Specification content
  • Sample Assessment Materials (SAMs)
  • Topic booklet
  • Scheme of work
  • Mapping to Our Migration Story
  • Case Study series from Harris Academy Sutton
  • The Black Curriculum - Notting Hill Teaching Guide
  • The Black Curriculum - Embedding Black British History - mindsets and methods

Access the materials

Sign up for updates and ways to get involved

Edexcel GCSE (9-1) History - New Migration Thematic Study

Pearson and The Black Curriculum in partnership

As part of our shared commitment to ending racial inequality in the classroom, we're joining forces with social enterprise The Black Curriculum to champion Black British history topics on The National Curriculum. This new partnership is seeking to ensure more Black British history has its rightful place in the school curriculum and teachers are getting the high-quality support and resources they need to deliver new topics with confidence. 

Find out more about the partnership 

Pearson and The Black Curriculum in partnership

Resources to support Migration Thematic Study​​

The Migration topic is supported with new textbooks published by Pearson, Hodder Education and OUP as well as free teacher resources and revision resources published by Pearson*. 

NB: *You do not have to purchase any resources, including those from Pearson, to deliver our qualifications.

Resources to support Migration thematic study

History topic of the month​

Highlighting significant moments of diversity and inclusion throughout history, this series of topics will help to generate interesting classroom discussion around diversity and inclusion at Key Stage 3.

Topics include The Gay Pride Movement in the UK, The Epic of Sundiata and the Griots, Stonewall 1969, Black Cowboys in the American West, Windrush, Votes for Women, Mansa Musa, Empress Matilda, Alan Turing and more.

Download the worksheets featuring information about each topic along with discussion questions and links to useful resources so your students can conduct some research, as well as a poster to put up in your classroom.

lf you would like to suggest a topic for our History Topic of the Month please email us at diversityinhistory@pearson.com

Explore the series

History topic of the month

Diversity & Inclusion in History case studies

Following the introduction of the new Migration topic to our existing GCSE (9-1) History specification from September 2020 we have been talking to teachers, parents and students to find out what they are doing to encourage greater diversity and inclusion at their schools.

Read the case studies

Diversity and inclusion in history case studies

Black Power: Hidden Histories

In November 2020, Steve McQueen’s BBC Small Axe brought the story of the Mangrove Nine to primetime television.

McQueen’s film is a dramatisation of events, but it’s a drama firmly rooted in historical reality. Not only did McQueen’s team consult historians, they became historians: interviewing the surviving participants, consulting archives, weighing evidence to construct a script which was faithful to events.

Read the blog by Robin Bunce, an historical advisor on the project.

Black Power: Hidden Histories

Black History Month

Explore the history of black British writing

As part of our celebration of Black History Month, we're following the history of black British writing. This blog looks at the pre-war period through to the 1970s, and explores how the 'Windrush generation' contributed significant voices to the post-war British literary landscape.

Read the blog

Black British Writing: Black History Month

Celebrate the achievements of black scientists

As part of our ongoing Scientist of the Month feature, this month we’ve been exploring black history and celebrating the achievements of black scientists with a series of posters for the classroom. Download these free posters to find out how these scientists helped to shape the world we live in today.

Download the posters

Explore Black History - scientists of the month

Useful links