Race equality workshops in secondary schools

Pete’s workshops for key stages three and four look at racism past and present. His work is ideal for Black History Month but the resources can be used all year round. The brave work of civil rights activists and positive images of leading black figures today form the backbone of his work. Creative energy in the form of poetry and stories bring these iconic people alive. Pete also delivers powerful workshops on the plight of refugees.

Workshops

Scroll through the examples of workshops

  • Discussions of human rights activists such as Harriet
    Tubman, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Bob Marley
  • Performance poetry on the theme of race equality, written in groups
  • Discussions on the links between different aspects of equality and diversity. How do issues of race, gender, sexuality, disability and age impact on our lives in education and wider society? Should they be connected? If so, how do we do this? References to the 2010 Equalities Act.
  • Discussions on the rise and impact of racism across Europe and how it shows itself in public settings such as football matches
  • Drama presentations on key moments in anti-racist action such as Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat on a bus and Martin Luther king making his “I have a dream” speech
  • Artwork. The designing and making of a collage or mural showing the values of equality
Pete the Poet - Story Teller

Harriet Tubman
A 19th century American slave and abolitionist who escaped her captives to free many enslaved people.
.

Pete the Poet - Story Teller

Rosa Parks
The American civil rights activist who refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white person in Alabama in 1955.

Pete the Poet - Story Teller

Ruby Bridges
An American civil rights activist who was the first black child to join an all white primary school in Louisiana in 1960.

Pete the Poet - Story Teller

Martin Luther King
An American civil rights leader who was assassinated in 1968 at the height of racial tensions.

Pete the Poet - Story Teller

Nelson Mandela
A South African anti apartheid activist, imprisoned for 27 years, he eventually became its first black president in 1994.

Pete the Poet - Story Teller

Maia Thomas
A current activist in the Black Lives Matter movement in Exeter and throughout the west of the UK.

Pete the Poet - Story Teller

Marcus Rashford
A current UK professional footballer who is also an anti racist and anti poverty campaigner.

Pete the Poet - Story Teller

Malala Yousafzai
A current international campaigner for the educational rights of women and girls.

Awards

In 2022 and 2023 Pete was nominated for the prestigious, national Blair Peach Award by the National Education Union in recognition of his anti-racist work.

Testimonials

Pete is a breath of fresh air. 

Terry Allison

Art Department, St James Secondary School Exeter

Pete led an excellent day of Gender Equality drama. 

Mark Godowski

Head of English, Tring Comprehensive School

We are impressed with the quality of Pete’s work in the field of Creative Arts. 

Steve Brown

Assistant Head, St James Secondary School Exeter

Pete’s work in key stage 3 challenges and inspires pupils to thing deeply and achieve high standards. 

Jo Fageant

Local Authority Adviser

“Pete’s work with us has been remarkable over a number of years. His ability to engage with our key stage three and four pupils, many of whom experience learning and behavioural challenges, is remarkable. His flexible approach coupled with his skill to inspire has produced high standards in the fields of equality and diversity, helping participants to make sense of their worlds.”

Sue Staples – Mendip Centre Galstonbury