Embedding Black History and Archaeology in British Schools - panel discussion

This panel discussion was held on 29 October as part of the Garrod Research seminar series of the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, University of Cambridge.

This online roundtable panel discussion comprised of educators and students aims to get a better understanding of the current challenges surrounding the teaching of the history and archaeology of Africa and the Diaspora in schools in the UK. It will also attempt to identify ways to encourage more Black British students to consider archaeology and related disciplines as university degree options, so that departments such as ours can take active steps in attracting a more diverse student intake.

Panel members

-Dr Robin Whitburn, Lecturer in History Education, i/c PGCE History Recruitment and Placements, UCL Institute of Education; Co-director, Justice to History and Co-author Doing Justice to History: Transforming Black History in Secondary Schools
-Dr Haira Gandolfi, Lecturer, Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge.
-Carina Ancell, Manager of the Honours Programme and History Teacher, Newham Sixth Form College
-Chioma Ngonadi, PhD Student, University of Cambridge & Lecturer in Archaeology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
-Dr Christopher Osuafor, BHF/CRE Clinical Research Fellow, University of Cambridge Department of Clinical Neurosciences & Magdalene College
-Mehrunissa Orin, current sixth form student at Brampton Manor Academy
-Hannah Cusworth, Head of History, The Charter School East Dulwich
-Alan Kunna, Newham Sixth Form College

The panel was hosted by the Department of Archaeology to mark Black History Month and was chaired by Prof Paul Lane, Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer Professor, Deep History and Archaeology of Africa.