Our first Culture Week

Redmaids’ High is thrilled to share the highlights of our very first Culture Week! This special week was all about celebrating the rich diversity of cultures within our school and beyond. Through hands-on activities, creative workshops, and inspiring talks from amazing guest speakers, our students had the chance to learn, connect, and embrace the beauty of different backgrounds.

A Bollywood Start to the Week

We kicked things off in style with a lively Bollywood Dance Workshop, led by Pooja from Movema, a Bristol-based charity that champions diversity through dance. After a warm-up session, the students learned some iconic Bollywood moves, ending with a fascinating talk from Movema ambassadors about Bollywood culture. It wasn’t just the students having fun - some of our staff members couldn’t resist joining in, too!

Inspiring Voices: Guest Speakers

One of the highlights of Culture Week was hearing from two incredible guest speakers, Dipo Faloyin and Saili Katebe, who shared their knowledge, creativity, and personal journeys with us.

Dipo Faloyin, senior editor at VICE and author of Africa Is Not a Country, gave an inspiring talk that challenged stereotypes about Africa. He talked about continent’s rich diversity, its colonial history, and vibrant modern culture, touching on everything from Lagos's bustling city life to the debate over the best Jollof rice. Dipo’s insights were so engaging that the students couldn’t stop asking questions afterward - it was a truly enriching session.

Equally inspiring was Saili Katebe, a gifted poet and spoken word artist. Saili shared excerpts from his debut pamphlet, Katabasis, which explores identity, resilience, and the power of creativity. His beautiful poems transported everyone to new worlds, blending sound, rhythm, and emotion. Saili’s ability to make complex themes so accessible left everyone deeply moved and inspired.

Creativity in Action

The creativity continued with an Art Workshop, where students learned how patterns are used in different cultures. Together, they contributed to a collaborative installation that reflects the diversity we celebrated throughout the week.

A Fashionable Finale

To round off Culture Week, we held a stunning Fashion Show where students proudly showcased traditional outfits from their own cultures. From the vibrant colours of Pakistan and India to the intricate designs of Eastern Europe and Persia, Redland Hall was alive with beauty, pride, and tradition. Seeing our students wear their cultural clothes with such confidence and joy was an unforgettable moment for everyone in the room.

Looking Ahead

Culture Week was a huge success, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the enthusiasm and involvement of our students, staff, and special guests. A big thank you to Mrs Hinks for organising such an inspiring event!

We’re already looking forward to the next Culture Week and can’t wait to celebrate more diversity in the coming months!

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