Afro Hair Exhibition

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As part of our Black History Month celebrations, students in Years 12 and 13 attended the Afro Hair Exhibition in Brixton on Friday 23 October, following an invitation from the Halo Collective.

Students explored photographs, paintings and film celebrating Afro hairstyles and hair culture before taking part in two interactive workshops.

The first was a hands-on braiding workshop led by Josee Professional Braiding Studio, whose work includes micro-braiding Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba wig for the film Wicked. Students practised braiding and twisting techniques using mannequin heads.

This was followed by a creative production workshop led by Accenture. Students explored the Agile method, learning how to break projects into manageable stages, respond to feedback and develop their ideas.

The visit offered an opportunity to develop new skills, celebrate cultural identity and connect with one another. Thank you to the Halo Collective for organising another memorable experience.

Student Reflections

"My second Halo Code trip was just as amazing as the first! It was such a welcoming, warm space. We even had to take our shoes off to keep it cozy because of the bad weather. They greeted us with snacks and fun icebreakers to settle everyone in before we watched a short moving clip about the Black girl experience.

The hair braiding workshop was a definitely my favourite I loved learning about the sisters who run it and their mum's legacy. Both of the sisters were so patient, helping me go from not knowing how to twist to feeling like I'm a pro at twisting hair and they even showed me how to add extensions. They were so kind they even gifted me two hair products! We finished up by creating a 'Make a Friend Friday' presentation for year7-12 and teachers in our second workshop."

Ochuko Ogberahwe – 12T

"I really enjoyed the halo code trip as it taught me about Afro hair in depth such as how to care for it and ways to keep it healthy. We did a session of braiding hair on mannequins which was so fun especially looking at who was best. The next session was learning all the steps to setting up a business plan of our choice which required teamwork, decision making and problem solving. We all had so much fun learning about afro hair and the many ways of styling it and we really appreciate that our school has given us this opportunity."

Salma Nabakooza – 12E

"The Halo Code provided us with an amazing, engaging, and educational event. The interactive hair braiding and AGILE workshops provided a mix of hands-on practical skills. It was inspiring to take part in an event that celebrates culture so deeply and connects individuals while teaching us important skills to maintain this connection across generations. Celebrating and learning these skills helped foster a stronger sense of identity and inclusion. Simultaneously, the AGILE workshop provided us with practical project management skills necessary for advocating for what is right and standing up for one another."

Joscelin Luis – 13L

"Taking part in the afro hair exhibitions put out by the halo code are always one of the most enjoyable, educational and important opportunities we take part in, as not only do we explore the importance of our hair but how to take care of it as well. Recently, the exhibition consisted of 3 different workshops, one in which we could all relate to as black girls who cherish their hair, another where we were taught how to braid by 2 amazing business owners, and a third that gave us an idea on how to make changes impactful."

Caia Gene – 13T

"The Halo Code experience was absolutely brilliant I learned so much about my hair that I hadn't previously known. For example, I discovered that applying oil to dry hair does not actually help to retain moisture. I found the session incredibly informative and appreciated how interactive it was, as it made learning both enjoyable and engaging. The hair-braiding section was particularly wonderful and, honestly, I think it was one of the most impactful parts of the experience. Overall, I thought the experience was fantastic, and I am genuinely grateful for the opportunity to have taken part. It was both educational and empowering."

Alicia Sitbon – 12L

"It was a very lovely experience, being able to experience was such a pleasure. It was amazing to learn about my own coiled hair and new facts that I would have never thought about. Also, lovely to see the growth of a Black business that has come to inspire me to love and care for my hair just that bit more and possibly inspire others around me to do the same. I also enjoyed making a business idea as it showed me how there is always room for improvement, and how quick a small idea can develop into something big to help everyone."

Kate Mbangha – 12A

"I found the halo trip very inspirational and informative. It helped me know more about how to do hair as well as how to maintain healthy black hair. This trip encouraged teamwork while also giving us the opportunity to have a lot of fun. I enjoyed it very much and definitely hope to attend again in the future."

Destiny Viedal – 12L

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