London Schools and the Black Child Conference 2007

28 Nov 2007

The annual London Schools and the Black Child conference on Saturday the 8th December at Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre will see the launch of a network offering guidance, support and career advice to black teachers in the capital. Guest speakers at the event will include Schools Minister, Andrew Adonis, Mayor Ken Livingstone, Hackney North and Stoke Newington MP Diane Abbott, playwright and actor of “Casualty” fame, Kwame Kwei Armah, and “What not to Wear” TV presenter Mica Paris.

The conference forms part of the London Schools and the Black Child initiative, started by Diane Abbott MP five years ago to address the continuing inequalities in educational attainment between children of African Caribbean heritage and their counterparts. Since the establishment of London Schools and the Black Child, GCSE results have started to improve for black children. Although much has been achieved, there is still some way to go to remove the achievement gap for black children.

Speaking about the event, Diane said:

“The recent GCSE results of Black pupils show that the situation is improving. However, it’s not enough for Black students to be catching up to their White counterparts. There is absolutely no reason why Black students should be doing any worse than others. We’re looking for full equality.”

The conference will include key-note speeches, question and answer sessions, workshops on a range of issues, and a special young people’s panel session to hear from young people on the issues that concern them. Workshops include sessions on pupil exclusions; supporting black teachers; listening and empowering young people; a black teachers network for London, and supporting black fathers.

 



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