60,000 children celebrate diversity through Black History Month and Diwali school workshops!
Autumn is an especially busy time for Education Group, with schools celebrating two significant cultural events, Black History Month and Diwali. Imagine a full crowd at the O2 Arena - over 60,000 school children enjoyed our African Drumming, African Mask Dance, Indian Diya Painting and Indian Dance workshops last September and October!
Education Group is the UK’s largest school workshop provider, delivering its unique workshops in multiple schools every day across the country. From its beginnings in 1996 as a music workshop company, it now offers over 40 different types of workshops, ranging from art to Virtual Reality. Education Groups trains over 200 facilitators to deliver the workshops in as many as 50 schools per day, bringing learning to life and creating lasting memories.
Our cultural school workshops offer a unique and engaging way to celebrate various important events, making them incredibly popular with children and teachers alike.
Children actively participate, playing instruments, creating masks and lamps and moving their bodies. Children are naturally energetic and learn best by doing. Such workshops are a hands-on experience that spark curiousity and make learning enjoyable. Imagine the excitement of creating a Diya lamp, learning Bollywood moves, or drumming alongside friends! These activities are far more engaging than traditional classroom learning.
Black History Month in October celebrates the rich history, achievements, and culture of people of the African diaspora. During the African Drumming workshops children learn about African rhythms using West African drums, known as djembes, while participating in a fun, collaborative drumming experience. This promotes teamwork, creativity and a sense of community.
The African Mask Dance workshops delve deeper into African culture, exploring the significance of Dan masks and their role in storytelling and dance. The facilitators set up a mobile studio right in the school, complete with all the materials and equipment needed for every child to create their masterpiece. Children create their own masks and learn traditional dance moves, fostering self-expression and cultural appreciation.
Diwali is the festival of lights, celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists this year between 29th October - 3rd November. It's a beautiful and joyous occasion that symbolizes the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. The Indian Diya Painting workshop is a delightful and educational way for children to celebrate Diwali and to learn about Indian culture. Each child gets to design, paint and take home their own beautifully decorated Diya oil lamp, creating a lasting memory of the Festival of Lights.
The Indian Dance workshop fills the school hall with the sounds and rhythms of the graceful classical dances and the energetic moves of Bollywood. Children channel their natural enthusiasm for movement while developing coordination and teamwork skills. Led by a professional dancer, the whole class move to the vibrant beats of India.
All Education Group workshops are carefully designed to align with Key Stages 1 and 2 of the National Curriculum, in this case for Citizenship and Music. This ensures a valuable educational experience that complements classroom learning.
Education Group’s engaging school workshops are designed to be inclusive and welcoming to children of all faiths and backgrounds. All children are introduced to different cultures through music, dance, and art. Children learn about social and cultural differences, respecting and celebrating diversity. The sessions open a window to various traditions, fostering curiosity about different ways of life. Children learn about different music, dance and art forms, expanding their understanding of the world.
These educational workshops go beyond entertainment. They help children develop essential citizenship skills such as appreciating different cultures, respecting others, and understanding the interconnectedness of communities. Children learn about the rich history and traditions of Africa and India.
Children develop personal, social, and emotional skills as outlined in the early learning goals. Workshops encourage teamwork, creativity, and an appreciation for different ideas and experiences.
While highlighting differences, workshops also reveal similarities across cultures. Children learn that despite different traditions, we share many values and aspirations, promoting a sense of global connection. For example, the joy of movement and storytelling through dance is a universal human experience!
By exploring different cultures, children begin to understand the complexities of the world. They develop empathy and learn to appreciate diverse perspectives, preparing them to be active and respectful citizens in the future.
Recent testimonials show the joy of the workshops.
“Thanks to @EducationGroup for a fantastic day of Bollywood style dancing, highlighting our British Value for embracing other cultures.” St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
“We loved exploring the festival of Diwali through a dance and diya painting workshop! Thank you @EducationGroup #FestivalofLights” Manorfield Primary School
“We have had great fun this morning during their African drumming workshop. What a way to end our unit of work comparing the UK to Kenya. @educationgroup Thank you for coming to visit us.” Brackenwood Infant School
Education Group provides all the necessary equipment and materials, ensuring a smooth and inclusive experience for every child. By incorporating these workshops into Black History Month and Diwali celebrations, schools can offer a vibrant and enriching learning experience that goes beyond textbooks, creating lasting childhood memories!