Culture Week

The Diversity & Inclusion Committee organised a week of activities focusing on what unites us as a community.

In the Senior School, the theme for the week was London, as the community celebrated the capital’s cultural diversity. At an assembly, different members of staff shared their views on what they think makes a ‘Londoner’ while pupils contributed their own thoughts in a book in the atrium.  The Diversity & Inclusion Committee also compiled a South Hampstead ‘Guide to London’, filled with recommendations from staff and students.

Form time activities centred on the theme of inclusion, as Senior School pupils discussed and challenged conventional definitions of culture, exploring aspects such as body language. One of the highlights was a Cultures Food Fair, with the Diversity & Inclusion Committee bringing in treats from across the world – from Korean snacks to tiramisu – to learn more about the variety of nationalities within our community. Another highlight was a powerful talk about the plight of refugees, referencing Paddington Bear, by a Sixth Former from Ukraine – one of eight Ukrainian students we welcomed to South Hampstead last year.

The following week, Sixth Formers visited our youngest pupils, whilst wearing their national dress, to kick off the Junior School Culture Week.  Thanks to the input of numerous parent volunteers, Junior School pupils also took part in a Hindi language lesson, Turkish paper marbling, a talk about Greek culture, a workshop on the Nutcracker ballet, and a session on the German festival of Nikolaus. Lunch options during the week ranged from curries and quesadillas, pizza and paella, chow mein and churros. Girls also celebrated their personal histories, coming to school wearing outfits linked to their culture and bringing in items of significance to their family background – a vibrant showcase of the diverse heritages and ancestries in our community.

Mehr, our Deputy Head Girl for Diversity & Inclusion, added: “Culture Week is always fun, educational and inspiring. It unites the whole community, celebrates different cultures, and supports our wider aim to educate pupils to think beyond the norm.”