Celebrating Carnival culture on Big Girl Little Girl day

As part of a long-standing tradition at the Junior School, we kicked off the new academic year with our Big Girl Little Girl day! 

This year, the whole school threw themselves into carnival culture with a full day of themed activities. The girls were introduced to the theme with a lively assembly led by Afidance. Girls were then split into groups – all new girls were partnered with their big girl, allowing them to get to know each other. Pupils enjoyed learning about different carnivals around the world and made flags to represent them. They created their own vibrant carnival masks and took part in energetic African dance and drumming workshops, again led by Afidance. The school came together at the end of the day to showcase their workshops and celebrate the carnival theme of unity, togetherness and community. 

Each September, Big Girl Little Girl day helps our many new joiners settle into the Junior School and get to know their “buddy” - usually an older girl, who can help show them around, and be a familiar face for them in the first few weeks. 

We spoke to Matilde in Year 3 and her buddy Phoebe in Year 5 about the day. Matilde said, “My favourite things were learning about different carnivals and making carnival crowns from tissue paper."  She also really enjoys having a big girl to play with especially at lunchtimes. Big girl Phoebe said, “I really like being a big girl so I can help look after someone and we’re able to meet each other’s friends.”  

The Big Girl Little Girl day forms part of several initiatives here to help new girls settle in across Years 3 - 6. We recently welcomed new parents in for Breakfast Club with their daughters, as well as the dining hall for lunch throughout last week! 

To find out more about the Junior School, join us at one of our visiting events this term.