Our children have been exploring inspiring figures from the book Young, Gifted and Black, discovering the remarkable achievements of people who have helped shape history and break down barriers. As part of this learning, children chose to write about Bessie Coleman, the pioneering American aviator who became the first African-American woman and the first Native American to gain an international pilot’s licence.
The children’s writing beautifully captures Bessie Coleman’s determination and courage as she overcame discrimination and travelled to France to achieve her dream of flying. Through a powerful first-person diary entry, he reflected on the obstacles Bessie faced and the sense of freedom and achievement she experienced when she finally earned her licence.
The work demonstrates thoughtful historical understanding as well as empathy, allowing readers to appreciate why Bessie Coleman’s achievements were so significant. By stepping into her shoes, Alastair showed how writing can bring history to life and help us understand the experiences of others.
At St Peter’s, opportunities like this reflect our vision to Love, Learn and Shine. Through learning about inspirational role models, children develop a love of learning, deepen their understanding of the wider world and gain confidence to pursue their own ambitions. Bessie Coleman’s story reminds us that perseverance, courage and self-belief can help us overcome challenges and achieve great things.
Well done, everyone on their thoughtful and engaging pieces of writing! 🌟👏
