How will attitudes change if students like me aren’t taught the truth about British colonial history? | Astrid Barltrop The skewed perspectives in my A-level curriculum are staggering. Until that changes, harmful ideas about race and migration will live on, says Emerging Voices winner Astrid Barltrop

How will attitudes change if students like me aren’t taught the truth about British colonial history? | Astrid Barltrop

As educators we have to be aware that many people are in fear because of the targeting of people for their religion, ethnicity and racialised identity. We have to provide the space for learners to learn about each other to promote shared beliefs and values. Racism in all forms is abhorrent.

After a powerful day of reflection, learning and development with college staff about how to talk about racism and the need to build understanding of each other, an attempted arson attack on a synagogue is reported.

Instead of this being a problem for parents of Global Majority heritage children only because of embarrassment, fear and worry of what to say, we have to be courageous and brave. We've got to roll up our sleeves and stop centering ourselves because all children deserve better.

The shame about one's self that can be internalised from a young age due to racist behaviours can last a lifetime, so we've got to step up. We HAVE to acknowledge it exists, explain the harm these slurs cause and support children to understand what to do if they hear such language.

As parents, it's so important that we don't shy away from speaking with our children about racism that exists, so they can be the domino that affects others positively and understand what to do in these situations.

We are in times that racist slurs are becoming normalised again. Subtle forms of racism are still very much present, however the overt forms are now rearing their heads.

It's time we all rolled up our sleeves instead of clutching our pearls and talk to our children about racism!

Coco Gauff looked so beautiful in those photos. 4C hair, just as it is. That shouldn’t feel like a statement-but it still does.

Last month's action research sessions ended with one question: what's your next step? No one said "write a report." They said: listen to teachers. Involve pupils. Keep going.

This is the work.

I'm ending women’s history month by celebrating Betty Campbell: the first Black headteacher in Wales. Her work went beyond representation; transforming the curriculum and assumptions embedded in. A reminder that equity needs intentional disruption.

#WomensHistoryMonth #BlackWomenInEducation

Hannah and Zack on stage together

Half a million people standing against the far right.

Half a million people who care about each other and our communities.

Half a million people ready to make hope normal again.

Even though International Women’s Day has passed, we’re still in Women’s History Month and this message still stands.

“Give to Gain” isn’t about women giving more of themselves. It’s about what systems are willing to give.

#GiveToGain #WomensHistoryMonth #ApexEducate

There’s a history in Britain of collapsing ethnicity, culture and race into one narrow idea of who belongs. But Britain has always been shaped by movement, migration and exchange. Maybe the question isn’t who belongs in public spaces but whether our understanding of belonging is wide enough.

For those of you new to me… did you know I’m a TEDx speaker?

A few years ago, I spoke about how care gets lost in education when we’re focused on delivering knowledge. And yet, care is the thing that makes learning possible.

Here's the link to the talk: youtu.be/IqGme5480Z0?...

It’s been almost a month since we launched the Betty Campbell's Pathway - an immersive way for learners to explore history that feels real and connected. Grateful to everyone already bringing it into their classrooms. 💛

#BettyCampbell #BlackHistoryMonth #AntiRacismInEducation

"Some stories don’t fade -they echo." This Black History Month, I’m proud to share the Betty Campbell Interactive Resource - honouring Wales’ first Black headteacher.

It’s legacy, courage, and voice brought to life for a new generation.

Access it: www.apex-educate.co.uk/betty-campbe...

Still thinking about the conversations at #BAMEedWales.

Anti-racism isn’t something you bolt on once a school is “ready.” It has to be part of the foundation.

Wrote a few reflections here:
🔗 www.apex-educate.co.uk/post/reflect...

#AntiRacism #Education #Leadership #ApexEducate

My Anti-racist Curriculum Toolkit is live! Scripts, lessons, audits + tools for real anti-racism work in schools.
Made for educators, youth workers + leaders.

Click the link: www.apex-educate.co.uk/the-inclusiv...

#AntiRacism #Education #ApexEducate

Anti-racist school leadership in Wales: from theory to practice - Rachel Clarke, Chantelle Haughton, 2025 Wales’s 2030 ambition of becoming an Anti-Racist nation has resulted in a multi-disciplinary mission for change. The education sector is making significant stri...

My first journal article is published! It explores anti-racist leadership in Wales + the action research programme I’ve been leading.
Co-written with the brilliant Chantelle Houghton.

Read it here: journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...

#AntiRacism #Education #Leadership #ApexEducate

Started the week chatting to learners about my grandmother, Betty Campbell; her life, her legacy, and her courage to do what’s right.

It’s so important that curriculums reflect diverse voices, just like these learners are experiencing.

I’ve spent the past year building this Anti-Racism Programme—shaped by my work as a consultant and what schools + orgs told me they needed.

It launches in 5 days!
✨ Get a sneak peek → www.apex-educate.co.uk/anti-racism-...

#AntiRacism #ApexEducate

Update: My anti-racism course goes live this month! If your school or organisation could benefit, check it out and join the waitlist.
www.apex-educate.co.uk/anti-racism-...

#apexeducate #learnchallengeapply

Recently, my work was featured on a major platform—without my name. No credit, no acknowledgment. This kind of erasure isn’t new, especially for those of us from Global Majority communities. Recognition matters. #GiveCredit #AntiRacism #ApexEducate

www.apex-educate.co.uk/post/invisib...

Sgwrs Podcast: Towards an Anti-Racist Wales - Estyn Listen to our podcast, Sgwrs, where we explore how education providers across Wales are working towards an anti-racist future. This episode includes practical insights from experts on how schools and ...

So happy to see the Action Research program making such a real impact! Big thanks to Estyn for sharing how this work is driving change in schools.
estyn.gov.wales/improvement-...

#ActionResearch #AntiRacismInAction #ApexEducate

Creating real, lasting change against racism takes more than surface-level awareness. That’s why I'm launching an anti-racism course to help organisations and schools go from awareness to action. Learn more about it: www.apex-educate.co.uk/anti-racism-...

#AntiRacism #LearnChallengeApply

A fantastic morning in an amazing school. Diolch @apexeducate.bsky.social @tygolding.bsky.social

Chine McDonald’s book launch at St Paul’s was a night of truth. ‘Perfect motherhood’ wasn’t made for us—but we’re rewriting the script. #BlackMotherhood #BreakingTheMould

Our systems, outlook and assumptions have not developed with everyone in mind ~ Rachel Clarke @apexeducate.bsky.social

Great start to our ‘Anti-Racism in the Classroom’ professional learning with Rachel Clarke @apexeducate.bsky.social @catrplace.bsky.social