What have Nigerian drumming, Hindu dance and Japanese origami got in common? Answer: They are all recent additions to the curriculum in primary schools across Knowsley. | "The kids have really enjoyed it. They’ve all said when they’ve got something exciting and different to do it motivates them. " | | Jacqui Everett-French, writing development consultant for Knowsley |
The new lessons - part of the Knowsley Schools Against Racism Campaign - are designed to teach children about different cultures and customs. Knowsley’s Writing Team organised visits from a Zimbabwean storyteller, a Chinese artist, Hindu dancer, Nigerian drummers and dancers and a Japanese origami expert. Pupils are encouraged to express themselves through different mediums including song, dance, poetry, story telling, dance and arts and crafts. And at a special celebration at Huyton Gallery the children gathered together to share their work and take part in some Nigerian dancing.
 | | Taking part in a Nigerian dance workshop |
Jacqui Everett-French, writing development consultant for Knowsley, says that children have taken a lot of pleasure in the course, “The pupils have done writing workshops linking with cultural art workshops like dance and origami; traditional arts from around the world. Then in class they would write their own creation myth or a report of what happened on the day. “The kids have really enjoyed it. They’ve all said when they’ve got something exciting and different to do it motivates them. It develops their understanding and gives them something concrete to write about ." | 
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