School News

African costumes worn by Year 3 pupils

Amazing Africa Headdresses

Dress Up Africa Workshop

Mrs McIntosh doing Caribbean Cookery

Korean Style Workshop with Mrs Khaw

African fashion with Year 5

Year 5 girls in Wrap Round Sari workshop

Beautiful Saris worn by Year 5 girls

Mrs Edwards in French Connection workshop

Dynamic Dance Workshop

Mr Paul demonstrating 'Turban Attire'

Pupils enjoy the Indian cookery

Coconut Burfi making with Mrs Hussain

Indian Cookery with Mrs Nathwani

Mr Ojolola and Miss Foley African Poetry

Mrs Ojo in Tie Dye Expression Workshop

Wrap Round Sari Workshop

Spirit of Carnival Workshop with Christina

Year 3 pupils play the African Drums

Mei Teng in Taste of the Orient Workshop

Carnival atmosphere on the Playground

Pupils wear their National Costumes

Yr 5 girls perform Tamal Stick Dancing

Shilan and Amar play the Indian Tabla

'Carnival' comes to Reddiford!

When the Photographer came to visit the school during Cultural Awareness Week he tooks lots of photographs of the pupils doing the various workshops. Two were printed in the Harrow Observer on Thursday 24th June and the remainder can be viewed from the Harrow Observer's website as follows:

We finally reached the last day of our very unique Cultural Awareness Week and true to form the pupils were as excited as ever, and awaited what the teachers would be wearing. Not to disappoint, all the staff dressed in African, Indian and European costumes with thanks once again to our ever helpful mums Mrs. Ojo, Mrs Ademuwagun and Mrs Oyenuga who kindly provided all the African costumes and turned up each day before the start of school to arrange the headdresses on the appointed staff. A huge 'thank you' also to Mrs. B. Patel and Mrs. G. Patel who provided the various saris for the staff and helped dress them correctly.

Today we started off our first workshop called 'Talking Drums', which was led by Mrs. Ojo. This was a very different workshop as the pupils from Form 4Q were shown how to make a real drum from a large tomato tin which was covered in paper and string. Three brilliantly made drums were completed which worked, and which the pupils could actually play. This was a super workshop in which the pupils learned how these drums were used in Africa to communicate centuries ago. Many thanks go to Mrs. Ojo for making this activity such fun for the pupils.

Our professional workshop of the day was 'Spirit of Carnival', which was led by Jacob who played the African drums and Christina who showed the children how to do African dancing. This was a truly vibrant workshop which could be heard all over the school as the twenty four drums were being played and the children clapped their hands and danced to the rhythmn. It really brought the 'Spirit of Carnival' to the school and everybody wanted to dance!

Our next workshop of the day found us once again in the Orient with our Mandarin teacher Mei Teng demonstrating some Chinese cookery in the workshop entitled 'A Taste of the Orient'. Here the pupils from Form 3A were shown how to make and cook Chinese spring rolls. Chinese music played in the background and Mei had dressed in her traditional Chinese costume and brought along sets of chop sticks to use. Many of the pupils attend Mandarin lessons and were able to talk and sing simple songs in the Mandarin language, which most impressed Mr. Cassidy who was on hand in this workshop to taste the wonderful cooking. Mei ended her workshop by demonstrating to the children how to do some Chinese paper cutting. Each pupil drew a Chinese symbol using red paper and after various folds, cut out their symbol and learned its meaning. A brilliant workshop and 'thank you' to Mei for all her hard work.

'Tie Dye Expression' was a workshop led by Mrs. Oyenguga, Miss, Qureshi, Mrs Ojo and Mrs. Cound. This was a very colourful workshop as the pupils from Forms 4P and 4Q were shown how to do the technique of tie dye using white linen and a plain white T shirt. The pupils used liquid dyes, immersing their pieces of linen and white T shirts into tubs of various vibrant dyes and then hanging them out to dry on a makeshift washing line. As the results of this workshop were immediate the pupils were very excited as their white T shirts took on new colours and patterns. A very successful workshop in which the pupils had great fun. A big 'thank you' to all the staff concerned and our visiting mums for their support with this.

Mr. Hewinson led a workshop called 'Musical World' in which the pupils were invited to bring to school any unusual instruments they may have learned to play. Mr. Hewinson was able to talk about each instrument and ask the children to give a demonstration to the class of any pieces they were able to play. This was an excellent workshop as it allowed the pupils to see many and different instruments, which they may not see everyday and to hear them being played as they should be.

Mrs. Adam once again donned her North American costume to be a North American Indian for her workshop called 'Two Faced' in which the pupils from Year 4 were shown how to make Native American face masks. Along with the help of Mrs. Radette, the pupils drew and decorated large face masks and learned when such masks would be worn by the Native Americans and why. This was a very informative and fun workshops in which the pupils were kept extremely busy!

Mrs. Petrook led a workshop called 'Quiz', which incorporated a quiz on the flags of the different countries, recognising famous statues from around the world and using the interactive Smartboard for quiz games. The children really enjoyed these quizzes, because when they gave the correct answer the country's National Anthem would be played for the children to sing along to. A very big 'thank you' to Mrs. Petrook for organising this fun activity.

We must also thank Mrs. Petrook for being our 'school photographer' for the week. Armed with two cameras, Mrs. Petrook was in huge demand to attend all the workshops and activities, to capture all the exciting aspects of each activity. The week saw her racing around the school from room to room trying to be in THREE places at once!! However, she did a spectacular job and all workshops were photographed. Many thanks again to Mrs. Petrook for all her hard work assembling the photographs and being on hand to sort out any last minute hitches.

Finally, not only did our day come to an end, but our very special Cultural Awareness Week also drew to a close, and as we had been blessed with glorious sunshine all week the staff decided to have an impromptu 'carnival' on the playground. Jacob brought the drums, Christina led the dancing, and all the staff assembled the pupils on the patio. Mr. Hewinson, Mr. Cassidy, Mrs. Adams. Mrs O'Beirne and Miss Foley were all attired in traditional African costume, Mrs. French, Mrs. Edwards, Mrs. Baris and the two Mrs. Patels wore beautiful saris, Miss Qureshi wore her traditional costume, and the music began to the delight of the children. The staff danced to the rhythm of the drums, Mrs O'Beirne,along with the pupils played to the beat of the drums, and everybody boogied down on their knees (to the loud creaks of their joints), and wondered if they would ever get back up again!!! The children roared loudly urging the teachers to dance, but alas the music had to stop as the day had sadly come to an end, the teachers had run out of breath, whilst some still hadn't got up!!, and the Year 6 pupils were about to return from their wonderful PGL trip. Our fantastic week had ended with a fantastic carnival for all.

A huge 'thank you' to the pupils, staff and all the parents and visiting companies who made this week possible through their support, expertise and hard work. The pupils learned so much, and also the staff learned so much throughout this very special and unique week.

Having now reached the fourth day of our Cultural Awareness Week we were once again blessed with a beautiful Summer's day and some very excited pupils. By now pupils are lining up each morning in eager anticipation of what the staff will be wearing, and true to form they are never disappointed as the staff members stand on parade on the patio in appropriate apparel!

Today saw many parent visitors to the school who all gave brilliant and informative workshops to the pupils, and who must be commended on their professionalism and prior preparation. The pupils learned an enormous amount and enjoyed the 'hands on' approach.

Our day started with many workshops, one of which was 'Coconut Delight', which was led by Mrs. Nathwani and Mrs. Hussein. The pupils from Form 5LB enjoyed watching this cookery demonstration learning how to make this delicious Indian treat. A huge 'thank you' to both Mrs. Nathwani and Mrs Hussein for organising this delightful workshop.

The next workshop of the morning was 'Dynamic Moves', which was one of our professional dance workshops and which was led by Frank Wilson from the 'Wise Moves' company. He demonstrated to the pupils how to do hip hop dancing and some street dancing in the same groove as Diversity and Flawless from 'Britain's Got Talent'. This was a very popular workshop ending with an afternoon assembly where the pupils showed off their new dance moves in a short dance arrangement performed in front of the rest of the school. Their performance was 'flawless'!!

Today also saw a South American workshop called 'Singing in the Rain', which was led by Mrs. L. Adams and Mrs. J. O'Beirne. The pupils from Form 3 made rain sticks which are thought to originate in Peru, but started to be widely used in Mexico in the 1960s. As suggested, the rain sticks were used in prayer during drought conditions to pray to the rain gods to send rain. A real rain stick is made from a dried bamboo cane and filled with sand, but the Year 3 pupils today improvised using kitchen rolls and uncooked rice grains. They decorated each rain stick and sealed both ends. During today's assembly the pupils closed their eyes and listened carefully to the 'pitter patter' sounds made by the rain stick as it was gradually turned resembling the sound of rain. Both Mrs. O'Beirne and Mrs Adams dressed in South American outfits with enormous hats!! Well done to both, as this was a super workshop!

Mr. Anthony Ojolola came along to lead a workshop called 'African Poems', where the pupils from Form 4P enjoyed a selection of African poems and verse. Mr. Ojolola read and explained each poem giving a fascinating insight into the culture of his homeland, movingly describing the sense of loss experienced by those who live far from home. The pupils were touched by the range of emotions in the poems and said that they 'loved them', because they 'contained lots of different feelings'. The staff were also very moved by this most brilliant workshop. A huge 'thank you' to Mr. Ojolola from all the pupils and staff in Form 4P.

'Chopstick Games' was a Chinese workshop led by Mei Teng our resident Mandarin teacher. In this workshop the pupils from Form 4P were taught about the different styles of chopsticks and why and how they are used when eating. The pupils then went on to use real chopsticks to pick up sweets in the various chopstick games.

Mrs. Vettivetpillai, accompanied by her mother who is visiting from Sri Lanka came to lead a workshop called 'Tea Time Dance'. They explained to the pupils from Form 5LB how tea originated in Ceylon and came to England. In the workshop they made real leaf tea in a china tea pot and served Mr. Cassidy and Mrs. Petrook a cup of tea in a china cup and saucer. Mrs Petrook said that it was the 'best cup of tea' she had ever drank. Mrs. Vettvetpillai then taught the pupils a traditional Sri Lankan dance and gave each pupil and staff member a gift as a memento of Sri Lanka. A huge 'thank you to Mrs. Vettivetpillai and her mother for the generous gifts and for a brilliant workshop!

'Turban Attire' was a workshop led by Mr. Paul on the wearing of a turban and its traditions. This workshop was a wonderful insight into this tradition and the pupils from Form 5B were shown how to tie a turban and then had the opportunity of putting one on. A fascinating workshop from which the pupils gained much knowledge. A huge 'thank you' to Mr. Paul from all the pupils in Form 5LB.

What has become our regular workshops for this week, A French Connection, Bustling Bazaar and What a Mathematical World! were all repeated today by the same staff who were dressed to suit. The school was buzzing with the sounds of the various songs and tunes, staff dressed in unusual costumes, and in every corner there were exciting workshops and activities to be had. A very busy day indeed for all concerned as we eagerly await Friday, the final day of our Cultural Awareness Week.

Our third day of Cultural Awareness Week started with a beautiful Summer's day and some very excited Year 3 pupils who were being taken by Mrs Adams, Mrs O'Beirne, Mrs Cound, Mrs Petrook and Mr. Radette to Whipsnade Zoo to learn about the animals of the world and to say 'hello' to Dominic the baby sea lion who performs for our school every year.

Having waved goodbye to Year 3 the day began with some exciting workshops, the first 'Korean Style' being led by Mrs. Khaw who came to talk to Year 4P about the culture and traditions of Korea her homeland. This exciting workshop had the children engaged in watching how the Korean traditional costume is worn with a small bag carried in the hand for sweets. The pupils were encouraged to ask questions about life in Korea and learned much about the culture, beliefs, climate and traditions. This super workshop had the pupils busily drawing pictures of the costume using some collage work to decorate them. A very big thank you to Mrs. Khaw for such an informative and interesting workshop!

'Amazing Africa' was a professional company who came to spend the day giving workshops to each year group. This workshop was led by Pamela who dressed as an explorer travelling around the continent of Africa. The pupils were encouraged to make a large map of Africa using their bodies to link together. There was role play in the form of traditional African pursuits where the pupils used their voices and interpretation to express themselves. In the background was traditional African music and the pupils were told about the Kingdoms of Kush and Axum, the Medieval Kingdoms of Sudan. This vibrant workshop ended with the pupils being taught songs and dances from each region of Africa along with some traditional children's games.

'Africa Fashion' was another very exciting and fun-filled workshop led by Mrs. Ojo and Mrs. Ademuwagun who found the time again, within their very busy day, to bring along more African dresses and attire and dress both the pupils and staff. Mrs. Baris was first to be dressed in a very colourful traditional African dress with an enormous headdress. Once again Mr. Cassidy volunteered to dress up, and of course the pupils from Form 5LB were each dressed in costume and beamed with delight as they stood for their photographs to be taken. Mrs. Ojo and Mrs. Adewagun both looked stunning in their costumes and Miss Foley wore a yellow and blue hand made African suit with a matching headdress and shoulder shawl expertly fitted by Mrs Ojo who was on hand to arrange the headdress correctly. A huge thank you to both ladies for their unending efforts with the 'Africa Fashion' and 'Dress Up Africa' workshops and for providing all the African costumes for each pupil and for also providing such an interesting insight into traditional African life.

'What a Mathematical World !' was a Mathematics workshop led by Mr. P. Cassidy, but with a fun twist to it. The Year 4 pupils enjoyed learning some quick techniques to reach an answer such as using Russian Multiplication. The pupils were also taught Gelosian Grids and how to make a slide rule. This workshop was thought provoking, but with a lot of fun thrown in for the pupils to enjoy.

'A French Connection' was a French workshop led by Mrs. C. Edwards who dressed in a French style (including the string of garlic onions!) and who used videos, Smartboard presentations, posters and pictures to 'fly' the Year 5 pupils to the French speaking countries of the world, one of which was the Congo where the pupils were taught a Congolese poem in French. This workshop was conducted totally in French and the pupils were encouraged to speak and sing in French throughout the workshop. The classroom looked an array of red, white and blue French flags with French background music. This was a very exciting and fun-filled workshop.

The 'Blockerty Block', 'Italian Fun' and 'Bustling Bazaar' workshops were all repeated today and once again the pupils enjoyed all workshops. Mrs. J. Collier, who led the 'Italian Fun' workshop decorated the classroom with pictures of famous Italian statues and buildings which was all great fun. Miss. Qureshi and Miss Foley led the very busy 'Blockerty Block' workshop and Mrs. P. French and Mrs. J. Gent encouraged more role-play in the 'Bustling Bazaar's workshop.

'Wrap-A-Round Sari' was a workshop led by Mrs. B. Patel and Mrs. G. Patel who showed the girls from Form 5LB the different ways of wearing a traditional Indian sari, Indian jewellery and make-up. Each girl dressed in a sari and had fun with the make up. This was also a very popular workshop and a very big 'thank you' must go to both ladies for providing all the pupils with saris and costumes.

Today saw the start of our workshops which involved Mrs Adams, Mrs O'Beirne, Miss Foley and Mrs Petrook, all being dressed as Native American Indians with traditional feather headdresses. They demonstrated the making of dream catchers, totem poles and story telling in their workshop called 'Sleep Well'.

Alongside this very exciting workshop was 'Dress Up Africa', which was very kindly led by Mrs Ademuwagun and Mrs Ojo, who brought along traditional African dresses and demonstrated to Year 3 how to wear these costumes and headdresses in the correct style. Mr Cassidy and Mrs Edwards both volunteered to be the models for the day and looked very impressive once dressed in these very striking costumes.

Mrs McIntosh, one of our very willing grandparents, very kindly volunteered to do some Carribbean cookery and delighted us all with her cooking of some roti, which was cooked on a traditional Trinadadian stone. The pupils were delighted with this workshop as they enjoyed the smells and aromas of the roti as it cooked.

Mrs Cound and Miss Qureshi were both busy leading the 'Blockerty Block' workshop, which involved printing techniques and kept pupils intrigued well into the afternoon, as they produced some very impressive art pieces.

'Italian Fun' was a workshop lead by Mrs J Collier, who 'took the pupils to Italy' for an afternoon of fun, learning some Italian phrases, all about Italian food and pupils had the opportunity of speaking to Mrs Di Morro, who speaks fluent Italian! There was a definite Italian feel to the afternoon, as the classroom rang out to the singing of Pavarotti!

'Bustling Bazaar' was a workshop lead by Mrs P French and Mrs J Gent, who 'took the pupils to the Carribbean' for the afternoon, to sample the atmosphere of a busy market place through both verse and drama, with a few simple props. The background music 'Island in the Sun' and 'Feeling hot, hot, hot' rang out as the pupils sang loudly in the excitement of their day.

The afternoon was spent at Merchants Taylors's doing sports with the pupils eagerly awaiting the new day and what thrills that would bring.

Cultural Awareness week started off with an excellent Indian dance and music group who demonstrated traditional Bharatanatyam dance and classical dance to the Prep Department. The dance routines involved solo dances, group dances and musical interpretation.

The afternoon produced a memorable assembly led by Miss Foley, which involved a traditional Tamil stick dance, a Kenyan welcome song, tabla playing, Bollywood dancing, a peacock dance, a solo Arabic song along with some spectacular Indian dance routines from two dance groups. The staff and pupils wore traditional costume which all added to the ambiance of the afternoon. Miss Foley was fitted by Mrs B Patel into a magenta coloured sari and matching jewellery, which all added to the thrill of the afternoon's entertainment!


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