To mark the ending of their “Culture Month” Parkhill Junior School held a “Great Cultural Bake Off” in order to fundraise for UNICEF. Children brought in cultural dishes they had made at home, that would be later sold to raise money. Trying out the different ethnic foods was a brand new experience for many of the pupils and introduced rudimentary business skills to the children selling and organising the event. This certainly lively occasion saw a multitude of entries spanning continents, from Indian paneer to traditional English sponge cake.
As well as being great fun for all the students competing and an opportunity to sample delicious cuisine, this occasion also holds pastoral importance. It is a step further in ensuring pupils have developed an appreciation for cultures other than their own. It encourages open-mindedness and respect to people with different backgrounds, all through the fun and imaginative medium of cooking. This is especially crucial to promote in primary schools as it is the age when children are most receptive to the messages of tolerance around them.
Cultivating a fascination and curiosity at the vibrant cultures in the world helps prepare children for their future role as citizens of this multicultural country. This is reflected in the school’s aims to be “suited to the twenty-first century” and to ensure their pupils become “pro-active national and global citizens.” The head teacher, Mrs D. Hughes-Mulhall, states how this event “celebrates the rich, cultural aspects of our community,” highlighting the significance of their “Culture Month.”
Clearly schools have a responsibility to celebrate diversity and it is absolutely fair to say, Parkhill Junior School has achieved this.
Samira Lily Chowdhury Woodford County High School
