AS PART of an enrichment week, students at a Woodley school took part in a day of activities designed to celebrate the range of cultures represented at the school.
“From the minute I walked into Waingels, the variety of clothing that students and staff wore in order to represent their culture was astounding,” said year 12 pupil, Lumnwi.
“From different traditional dress, to scout and cadet uniforms, and even sporting shirts, it was lovely that everyone wore something that expressed part of their identity.”
Throughout the day, students were able to try a number of activities, including a music workshop delivered by Youth Sayers, and a PE lesson teaching activities and sports from Japan, China, Germany and Denmark.
“In the main hall, some students gave presentations about their own cultures and backgrounds,” said Lumnwi.
“Miss Vijayakumar shared her Sri Lankan heritage, and Mr Pole spoke about Polynesia and even taught us the Haka.
“Seeing and hearing these activities going on around the school and watching students take part with so much enthusiasm was wonderful,” said Lumnwi.
“It definitely kicked off enrichment week to a great start.”
As part of an assembly, Lumnwi spoke about how to ask better questions about people’s culture.
“We need to be able to learn about each other’s differences in a respectful manner,” she said.
“And to understand what unconscious bias is and how that differs from racism.
“This was something I thought was super important as sometimes we can let our curiosity get the best of us and our questions may not come off as intended.”
For students that love to try new food, the options in the canteen at lunch time that day further reflected the cultural celebrations, with dishes from Egypt, Italy, Mexico, America and China on the menu.
“The worst part about it was choosing just one option to eat,” said Lumnwi.
“Cultural Celebration Day was certainly a day to remember.
“And if I had to choose one word to describe it, that would be – amazing.”
Article from an original piece written by year 12 student, Lumnwi.
For information about the school, visit: www.waingels.wokingham.sch.uk
