Herts and Essex High School’s 2024 Culture Day in pictures
It’s a small world – and students at Herts and Essex High’s 2024 Culture Day learned that their Old Hall is big enough to host it.
The space was buzzing as girls and sixth-form boys at the Bishop’s Stortford secondary got to explore cultures through food, music and dance.
A total of 20 countries, from Australia to Zimbabwe, were represented on stalls and through their chosen non-uniform. The others were Bulgaria, China, Egypt, France, Ghana, Greece, Guyana, Hong Kong, India, Lithuania, Moldova, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Spain, Thailand and Vietnam.
The event celebrates Herts & Essex’s cultural diversity and strengthens the sense of community and belonging. Firmly embedded in the school calendar, students went one step further this year with a runway showcase after school.
A school spokeswoman said: “Culture Day gave all students the opportunity to celebrate their heritage. The range of outfits was beautiful, stylish and humorous, with the two inflatable Irishmen rustling around the school all day making everyone smile!”
The annual event is the brainchild of students from the school’s DARE (Diversity, Anti-Racism and Equality) group, co-ordinated by staff members Demetris Christophy and Angel Oben-Etchi. Proceeds of the non-uniform day went to humanitarian aid organisation International Rescue Committee.
Executive headteacher Cathy Tooze said: “Culture Day brings a smile to everyone’s face. It’s a day of real joy and celebration of the Herts & Essex community and our diversity. I’m very grateful for the hard work our students put in to making it such a fantastic success. They should be very proud of what they have achieved.”
The school’s DARE group is also driving an initiative to raise £5,000 for a dedicated prayer space at the school, a spirituality and multi-faith space to support the needs of all students regardless of faith or belief.
The three stages are to renovate the former swimming pool changing space, install a heating system and finally decoration and carpeting. Supporters can donate via https://app.goodhub.com/prayerspace.
Mrs Tooze added: “Everyone at Herts & Essex is committed to an all-round, all-inclusive, respectful and diverse environment for students and staff. Our staff work with great skill and dedication and an emphasis on confidence and personal development, enabling everyone to find their place in school and wider community.”
*All pictures supplied by Herts and Essex High School
