On Friday the 9th of June, Gladesmore Community School held its first ever International Culture and Diversity Day. Pupils and staff came together to celebrate their cultural heritage, who they are and to learn about each other.

Pupils and staff arrived at school looking absolutely stunning in their cultural clothing. The day was launched with a showstopper of an assembly where Gladesmore took a trip around the world, visiting each continent and then finally coming back home, to London. 

Our talented pupils and staff were nothing short of amazing. We had performances from the steel pans group representing the West Indies. Turkey was represented by Year 8 pupils and their Head of Year Mr Hasan who performed the Halay. Gospel, Hallelujah, was passionately sung by Chay-Marie and Nathaniel played us a moving piano recital. Ms Barimah led the celebratory Kpanlogo Dance with her pupils. We heard a powerful poem about being labelled crafted by the talented Neo. The assembly ended with the eagerly anticipated Cultural Catwalk hosted by Mr Aibangee where pupils and teachers walked the Gladesmore runway representing their cultural heritage and background.

The day didn’t stop there. At lunch time there were a range of activities for the pupils to get involved in. Maryam and Sabrin, both in Year 10, showcased their talent in applying Mehndi/Henna designs. Neo, Avon, Esther, and Erin delighted attendees with their face painting skills and a message board provided a platform for pupils to share messages of love and hope. All of this took place under the summer sun, to the soundtrack of the GCS cultural playlist curated by the pupils and staff themselves.

It was a fantastic, fun filled day highlighting the spirit of togetherness, acceptance and pride at Gladesmore Community School. It was truly a day that reflected what we stand for at Gladesmore, that we are all: Respected, Include, United. We look forward to next year!