For the 25th consecutive year, International School Aberdeen (ISA) has just hosted its International Festival to celebrate 50 countries represented by pupils aged from 3 to 18.
For a month before the Festival, classes were encouraged to hone their global thinking and were assigned a country to study from a variety of perspectives such as culture, geography and history.
From pre-schoolers sharing their learning about Russia to Flamenco and Chinese lantern dance, activities also included a member of staff giving classes in Polish and children making internal announcements in their native language. The international flavour was also apparent when pupils studying Italy visited The Chester Hotel to learn how to make pizza and gelato. To celebrate local culture, Jackie Ross gave a talk on Doric to pupils. The week-long event also featured a fun “International Greatest Showman” circus assembly hosted by teachers Adam Coutts and Jane Newbury.
Celebrations culminated with a colourful, Olympic-style evening parade, led by a piper and featuring children dressed in national outfits and carrying flags of their home nations. Around 1000 pupils, parents and teachers attended the event which was compered by the president of the school council, Crawford Sawyer, age 17. An international food market and showcase global village featured 20 countries whilst acts performed on stage.
Jane Newbury, who has been involved in the ISA International Festival since its inception, said: “Throughout the year, our students learn about the countries which make up our student population and this special week is an excellent way of sharing and showcasing learning. Through that process, we are able to enhance our appreciation of cultural diversity and respect.”
International School Aberdeen’s head of School Nicholas Little added: “In our role of educating young people to be global citizens, it is crucial that we offer them as many opportunities as we can to broaden their horizons and think beyond geographical borders.
“The unstinting success of this event over the years is a testament to the hard work and dedication of those who put so much into making it happen, and the enthusiasm of our young people in getting on board and maximising the chance to learn in an exciting way.”
Food festival