Cultural Day Celebrations

I am thrilled to share some highlights from our recent Cultural Day, an event that truly showcased the rich diversity and spirit of our school community. Students and staff proudly shared elements of their heritage and customs that are important to them. The Cultural Day activities and clothes clearly demonstrated the vibrancy of our incredible school community.

Thank you to our Media Students for the wonderful photographs and to our Young Writer’s Society for the accompanying article.

Amaury of Year 9 wrote the below report.

Cultural Day is a day where no matter where you come from, your culture is expressed and celebrated. When Samyath was asked which culture he was representing, he explained that he was going to wear, “a South Indian attire to represent Karnataka” which is located in South Western India. He then expanded, “My grandparents, my parents and I were all born in this country. I was 8 years old when I left to go to England but we make sure to stay connected with the culture by going every two years and by usually eating the traditional food they serve there. Another person who Amaury interviewed was Miss Mimoun, our French teacher. When asked about which culture she was representing she replied, “I will be representing Morocco as myself and my parents were brought up in that culture.” She further clarified, “For me the main difference between Morocco and England was the detectable change in the religion and practices as well as the food. I still try to stay connected to culture at home though.” Moreover, when she was asked what she would wear for the cultural day she responded, “I was planning on wearing either a Jibala or a Gandura. The main difference is that a Jibala is usually worn outside to hide what you are actually wearing in the inside like a bigger coat whilst a Gandura is more comfortable and worn at home it covers you more as well as referencing more towards the religion.”

Zion in 8T interviewed his classmate Ugo who was keen to celebrate his Igbo cultural heritage. He said that his strong sense of discipline comes from his culture and his white agbada and cane represents chieftaincy and knightdom.  He also interviewed Miss Ibitoye who said her Yoruba culture has taught her to respect everyone, young and old. She is wearing an outfit called Adire which has different combinations of colours. 

Jonathan in 8T interviewed his classmate Yaihan who said his cultural traditions, beliefs and practices allow him to fully express himself and his outfit is one that is worn for a formal occasion. 

Finally, Demi in 8J interviewed his classmate Nathan who stated that Cultural Day is special because ‘I get to show my culture off and feel proud of my heritage.’ He also said that wearing his country’s football shirt was significant as it reflects ‘both their culture and their most popular sport’.

I hope you all had a truly relaxing Easter break with your friends and families.

Best wishes,

Stuart Harrington

Headteacher