Postbox in Honour of Ignatius Sancho

As part of celebrations for Black History Month, the History and Art Departments launched a competition inspired by the initiative launched in September 2020, whereby four red post-boxes were painted black to celebrate and honour black Britons – both past and present. They were Mary Seacole, Yinka Shonibare, Sir Lenny Henry and Sir Walter Tull.

The History Department asked students to research a Black Briton of their choice and convince the History Department, via a written speech or PowerPoint presentation, why their chosen individual deserved to have a postbox painted in their honour. Following a rigorous process of selecting a winner, Year 8 Ellie won first place with her highly convincing and detailed drawing/speech explaining why Ignatius Sancho, composer, writer and slave abolitionist, deserved a postbox painted black in his honour. The runners-up were Aaleyah  (Year 10) and Jess (Year 12).

Our November Artist of the Month Charlotte (Year 9), was invited to draw Ignatius Sancho’s portrait on the post-box and Ellie added key information about his lifetime achievements.

Today, our students unveiled the postbox which is now situated in reception.  Student postcards explaining the importance of why racism should not be tolerated today in the world around us and what we can do today to prevent racism in the world around us where posted as part of the ceremony.

A huge thank you from both History and Art to every student who submitted an entry – we were overwhelmed by all of your hard work.