Our annual Culture Week

This week, our school came alive with the vibrant colours, sounds and stories of Culture Week - our annual tradition celebrating the richness of global diversity. The students have loved the variety of activities, and the week has seen a mix of exciting workshops, intriguing talks, and fun performances that have brought everyone together in meaningful ways.

An inspiring kickoff: Food, stories and connection

The week began with an assembly featuring Kalpna Woolf, a former BBC Head of Production, renowned food writer, and founder of 91 Ways. he shared how food can connect people from different backgrounds and talked about her work bringing together Bristol’s 91 language communities through shared culinary stories. Her anecdotes and insights sparked a lot of interest and conversation among students.

Later that day, we heard from Mrs Pillay, our SENCO, in a RED Talk titled 'Where is Home?' She opened up about her life journey, from growing up in South Africa under apartheid to settling in the UK. Her heartfelt story of overcoming challenges and finding a sense of belonging resonated deeply with everyone who attended. This talk was a part of our REDTalks inspired by the very famous TEDTalks and it’s available for our students to watch it.

Hands-on learning: Mehendi magic and cultural identity

Tuesday brought an explosion of creativity with a Mehendi (henna) painting workshop led by a parent volunteer. This activity drew a long queue of excited participants, including staff members like Mrs Hinks, who couldn’t resist getting involved. The complex designs and friendly atmosphere made this activity a clear favourite among the students; with plenty of smiles and laughter throughout the day.

Students also had the chance to hear Miss Levin’s, Teacher of English, REDTalk about her Brazilian heritage. She shared personal stories about her culture and how it has shaped her identity. It was an inspiring reminder to celebrate what makes each of us unique.

Diverse voices and engaging workshops

Throughout the week, we welcomed a range of speakers, including Pastor Peckham from Bradley Stoke Evangelical Church. He shared his perspective on identity through the lens of biblical teachings, encouraging students to think about the ways they define themselves and their values.

In addition, the Max Minerva Book Sale in Redland Hall was a huge success, offering a wide variety of books to suit every interest. Whether students were looking for a new adventure novel or a cookbook, there was something for everyone.

African drumming and the Fashion Show Finale

Year 7 students had so much fun during the African Drumming Workshop led by Rubba from AfiDance. They learned traditional rhythms and moves step by step, and by the end of the session, they performed a full routine together. The joy and enthusiasm were infectious, making it a highlight of the week.

The grand finale, the fashion show, was a true celebration of cultural diversity. Students walked the runway in traditional outfits representing their own native countries from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia and beyond. The dazzling range of colours, patterns, and styles was a beautiful way to end the week, showing the pride and appreciation for different cultures. 

 A Week to Remember

Culture Week would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of Mrs Hinks, our Head of Year 7, whose dedication ensured the event’s success. Her careful planning and enthusiasm created a wonderful experience for all.

We’re already looking forward to next year’s Culture Week!

To learn more about our diversity and inclusion initiatives, click HERE.

Here are some of the snippets from the Culture Week: