Celebrating Diversity

In the last week of term we celebrated Africa Week inspired by Africa Day which takes place every year on May 25th.

Africa week began with an array of inspiring lessons across the school followed by a whole school assembly led by Mr Newell which discussed the global theme of African Day: Education.

The purpose of Africa was to create a more inclusive and educated society by broadening horizons and nurturing a sense of global community.

What an incredible week we've had, diving into the rich tapestry of African culture, history, and art. Our focus has been on understanding the vast diversity across the African continent, and students have been incredibly engaged and enthusiastic throughout our explorations. Here are some highlights from our week:

African Diversity

We started the week with an introduction to the immense diversity within Africa. The students learned that Africa is not a country, but a continent with 54 different countries, each with its own unique cultures, languages, and traditions. We explored various aspects of African geography, climates, and ecosystems, discussing how these factors contribute to the diverse ways of life across the continent.

Understanding Scale

To grasp the scale of Africa, we compared it to other continents and countries. The students were amazed to learn that Africa is larger than the United States, China, and India combined! This activity helped them appreciate the vastness of the continent and understand why it hosts such a rich variety of cultures and natural environments.

Benin Sculptures

One of the most exciting parts of our week was delving into the art and history of the Benin Kingdom, located in what is now Nigeria. The students were fascinated by the Benin Bronzes, a collection of plaques and sculptures made from brass and bronze. These artworks are renowned for their intricate designs and historical significance. We discussed the stories and symbolism depicted in the sculptures, which often illustrate scenes of court life, battles, and spiritual beliefs.

African Print T-Shirts

To celebrate the end of our African Diversity week, the students participated in a fun and creative project: designing their own African print T-shirts. The students used fabric paints to create their own designs on T-shirts, drawing inspiration from the vibrant and bold patterns we studied. This hands-on activity was not only enjoyable but also allowed the students to express their understanding of African art in a personal and wearable form.

Reflections and Learnings

Throughout the week, students reflected on what they learned each day. Many expressed a newfound appreciation for the richness of African cultures and the importance of viewing the continent as a diverse and dynamic place rather than a single entity.

We hope this week has sparked an interest in the students to continue exploring and appreciating the diversity in the world around them. Thank you for your support and encouragement as we journey through these fascinating topics. 

At the heart of the learning during Africa week was DIVERSITY

Every culture, every nationality, every single person sees the world in a different way. 

Similarly, every culture, nationality, and person has different knowledge, perspectives, and points of view. 

When all of these different views are shared together, miracles can happen.