A multicultural day named 'Celebration of Cultures' made last Wednesday (22nd July) a school day with a difference for QE II pupils.

A programme including dance workshops, a mask drama, cookery, crafts and more gave Year 8 a chance to learn about some of the native cultures and beliefs of India, Indonesia, China, South America - and the Isle of Man!

Celebration of Cultures was the brainchild of Headteacher Sue Moore and Assistant Headteacher, Mark Redmayne, with English teacher Mrs Usha Kishore as the driving force.

Usha says, 'Multiculturalism is becoming a social and cultural reality as the Isle of Man becomes more 'cosmopolitan'.

'The students are already discovering global cultures through, for instance, music and art, but this was a way to bring several strands together in a way in a conscious effort to help them discover the ideas and beliefs of other societies'.

'Most importantly, it had to be interesting for the students, so we devised a programme with lots of different elements and activities, so they could get involved and have fun while learning'.

The workshops and classes were run by both staff and guests: Mr Biju Cherian, manager of the Royal India restauran in Peel, demonstrated Indian cuisine, while Mrs Sue Magee, from the Pre-School Assessment Centre (in Pulrose) gave Manx dance classes.

Also amongst the morning's events were Bhangra dance workshops given by Usha and Dr Liji Joseph, a paediatrician at Noble's Hospital.

As Usha explains, this is not 'Bollywood' but an authentic Punjabi blend of music and dance traditionally performed to celebrate Spring and the harvest season.

The mixed group of students attending a mid-morning workshop clearly enjoyed this new experience, putting energy and enthusiasm into the symbolic steps and movements, which they were practicing for a matinee performance to their fellow pupils!

Paula Parmar, Holly Mahr and Danica Christian (all aged 13) attend local dance schools but had never encountered Bhangra before: 'I wasn't sure what it would be like' says Paula 'but I think it's really interesting'.

Holly agrees: 'It's a bit different to the sort of dance I've done before!'.

Another highlight of the day was a dramatic masked performance of Jabberwocky, for which the children recreated traditional masks from around the world. The adaptation was by Usha herself, who had previously - and successfully - staged the drama while teaching at a Kent school.

Pictured: Year 8 students get to grips with Bhangra, a traditional Indian folk dance.