St Margaret's School for Girls proudly held its fourth annual Culture Week from 6-10 October; a vibrant initiative created by the Race and Culture Committee to honour and share the rich diversity of the school community.
With 33 nationalities represented in the Senior School alone, St Margaret’s is proud to be a culturally diverse school. Culture Week, now a beloved tradition, is a much anticipated highlight in the school calendar, bringing the community closer through shared stories, traditions, and creative expression.
The celebration, planned and led by pupils, brought together creativity, teamwork, and a genuine appreciation of the many cultural identities that make the school unique. Over the course of the week, pupils immersed themselves in a lively programme of performances, workshops, and shared experiences which highlighted both individual expression and collective spirit.
Senior students played a key role throughout the week, leading younger pupils in assemblies, global games, and a variety of hands-on cultural activities. Workshops ranged from origami and calligraphy to sewing, crocheting national flags, and learning the intricate art of Chinese knot tying. Students also explored cultural dance and music through a Performance Arts programme, while traditional crafts such as henna design and hair braiding added a personal touch.
The celebrations culminated with two standout moments: the Cultural Fashion Show, where students proudly modelled traditional clothing from around the world, and the school’s first International Food Fair, which brought pupils, families, and staff together to enjoy food from many cultures.
This year, Culture Week coincided with World Mental Health Day, placing an important focus on inclusion and emotional wellbeing. Events like these help girls feel acknowledged, valued, and connected - all essential for building a supportive environment that nurtures mental health and resilience.
Anna Tomlinson, Headteacher, shared: “When our girls see their cultures, stories, and identities reflected in the life of the school, they feel truly seen. That sense of belonging is powerful - it’s foundational to mental health and to building a strong, connected community.”
Pupil leader Ifunanya Okwu comments: “This year, we were especially excited to open our celebrations to our wider community at the International Food Fair. It was a wonderful opportunity to bring families together and share the incredible community spirit that defines our school.”
S6 pupil Kimberly Asalor reflected: “Culture Week is truly special because it is driven by the pupil body. It’s a joyful way to celebrate who we are and to learn from one another.”
