St Margaret’s School for Girls in Aberdeen is set to celebrate its annual Culture Week from 6th-10th October with a vibrant programme of events that highlight the rich diversity within its community.
With 33 nationalities represented in the Senior School alone, St Margaret’s stands as one of Aberdeen’s most culturally diverse schools. Now in its third year, Culture Week has become a much-anticipated highlight of the school calendar, bringing students together through shared experiences, creative expression, and a celebration of global cultures.
A core feature of the week is the leadership demonstrated by senior students, who will guide younger pupils through meaningful assemblies, global games, and craft activities including:
- Creative workshops offering hands-on sessions in origami, calligraphy, sewing, and the crocheting of national flags, alongside lessons in the traditional art of Chinese knot tying.
- A Performance Arts programme offering students the chance to learn and perform styles from a range of cultures.
- Traditional Crafts, such as henna artistry and hair braiding.
Senior School Events feature a special screening of Crazy Rich Asians during the midweek Culture Cinema, encouraging thoughtful discussion around identity, representation, and belonging. The week will build to a memorable close with two headline events: the Cultural Fashion Show, where students showcase traditional attire from around the world, and the inaugural International Food Fair, where pupils, families, and staff will come together to sample dishes from around the world.
This year, Culture Week coincides with World Mental Health Day. In recognition of this, the school is highlighting the importance of inclusion and emotional wellbeing. Through events like Culture Week, girls consistently report feeling seen, valued, and connected - critical elements in creating a school environment that nurtures mental health and emotional resilience.
Anna Tomlinson, Headteacher at St Margaret’s School for Girls, said: “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.”
Ifunanya Okwu, pupil leader of the Race and Culture Committee, said: “This year, we are especially excited to open our celebrations to our wider community at the International Food Fair. It is a wonderful opportunity to bring families together to share the incredible community spirit that defines our school.”
S6 pupil Kimberly Asalor, said: “Culture Week is truly special because it is driven by the pupil body. It is a powerful way to celebrate who we are and learn from one another.”