Celebration of culture and community at Gospel Oak School
Gospel Oak School – based in Tipton and part of the Central Region Schools Trust – was alive with colour, music and celebration recently as the entire school community came together for its first-ever Culture Day.
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Culture Day was a joyful event designed to celebrate the rich diversity within the school and promote a culture of respect, understanding and unity.
Students from all year groups and staff members took part in a variety of exciting activities throughout the day. From wearing traditional cultural clothing to exploring the meaning of culture in specially designed tutor sessions, the day gave students the opportunity to reflect on their own backgrounds and learn more about their peers’ heritages.
As part of the celebrations, students created unique bunting to represent their cultural identity or influences, which together formed a vibrant visual display. Students also took part in a live artwork session led by local artist Andy’s Doodles, who captured “what culture looks like at Gospel Oak” through collaborative drawing.
The day culminated in a high-energy assembly featuring a fashion show of traditional and cultural wear from around the world. The assembly also featured a specially commissioned poem performed by poet Matt Windle. Windle, who also goes by the name Poet with a Punch, is both a professional boxer and three-time Birmingham Poet Laureate.
At lunchtime, students were treated to global flavours, sampling foods such as Jamaican plantain crisps, Polish biscuits, samosas and Victoria sponge cake. Henna painting stations and music added to the festive atmosphere.
The day left a strong impression on students, with Treasure, a Year 10 student commenting: “I loved seeing everyone’s traditional clothes and learning about my friends and classmates’ traditions. I didn’t realise how many different cultures are represented in our school!”
Stephen Brownlow, Principal of Gospel Oak School, praised the event as an important moment for the school community: “Celebrating heritage and creating artwork forms part of the Central Region Schools Trust’s Enrichment Offer, ensuring all students can access a rounded education beyond the classroom. Gospel Oak School is committed to delivering an educational experience.
