Celebrating Culture and Diversity in Schools with Education Group

Autumn always brings a whirlwind of activity to schools, especially with the celebrations of Black History Month and Diwali. Last year, we had the incredible opportunity to host various cultural workshops, and it was an experience worth remembering. Over 60,000 children across the country, including our students, participated in African drumming, mask dance, diya painting, and Indian dance workshops. It was magical!

Bringing Learning to Life

As the UK’s largest school workshop provider, we offer a variety of unique workshops in schools every day. What started in 1996 as a music workshop company by our founder, musician Matt Smith, has now grown to over 40 different types of workshops, from art to Virtual Reality. With over 200 facilitators, we reach up to 50 schools daily, transforming traditional learning into something truly memorable.

Hands-On Cultural Workshops

Our cultural workshops bring a new level of engagement to hundreds of classrooms. These hands-on experiences are designed to make learning fun and memorable. Watching the kids create Diya lamps for Diwali and learn Bollywood dance moves is always a sight to behold. It’s such a refreshing change from the usual classroom routine.

African Drumming Workshops
In these workshops, children dive into African rhythms using West African djembes. It’s more than just drumming; it’s about teamwork, creativity, and building a sense of community.

Mask Dance Workshops
These sessions go deeper into African culture, with children creating their own Dan masks and learning traditional dance moves. It is truly endearing to see them express themselves and appreciate another culture through art and movement.

Diya Painting Workshops
For Diwali, each child designs and paints their own Diya oil lamp. The excitement and pride the kids feel in creating something beautiful is palpable, and they get to take home a piece of the Festival of Lights.

Indian Dance Workshops
From classical dance styles to energetic Bollywood moves, these workshops have the children moving and grooving. It is wonderful to see them develop coordination and teamwork skills while dancing to the vibrant beats of India.

 Aligning with the Curriculum

One thing about our workshops is how naturally they are aligned with Key Stages 1 and 2 of the National Curriculum for Citizenship and Music. They aren't just fun; they are educational too. The kids learn about social and cultural differences, respecting and celebrating diversity through music, dance, and art.

 Inclusive and Welcoming

We specifically design our workshops to be inclusive, introducing children of all faiths and backgrounds to different cultures. Our goal is to promote understanding and respect for diversity, fostering curiosity about various ways of life.

 Beyond Entertainment

These workshops are more than just fun; they help children develop essential citizenship skills like cultural appreciation, respect for others, and an understanding of global interconnectedness. Through exploring the rich histories and traditions of Africa and India, children build empathy and learn to appreciate diverse perspectives.

A Universal Connection

While highlighting cultural differences, our workshops also reveal shared human experiences, such as the joy of movement and storytelling through dance. This helps children see common values and aspirations across cultures, fostering a sense of global connection.

Preparing Future Citizens

By exploring different cultures, children gain insights into the complexities of the world, preparing them to be active, respectful citizens. They develop empathy and an appreciation for diverse perspectives, essential qualities for their future roles in society.

We ensure a seamless and inclusive experience by providing all necessary equipment and materials. Integrating these workshops into Black History Month and Diwali celebrations enriches the learning experience, making it an event to remember for every child.

For more information or to bring one of our workshops to a school near you, get in touch with us today!