Celebrating Cultural Diversity Through the Arts at Dwight London

At Dwight London, the visual arts and performing arts are vibrant reflections of the diverse cultures that our students and our community represent. Through their creativity, students at Dwight are given a platform to explore and express their unique cultural identities, creating a rich tapestry of global perspectives.

Representing Cultures Through the Arts

“Students from various backgrounds bring their cultural heritage into their artwork and performances,” says Art Teacher Joe Ross. For example, in Year 11, students showcase music, theatre, and visual arts based on their identity. “Creating art that represents my culture has deepened my understanding of my roots,” shares one student. “It’s an emotional and educational journey.”

Additionally, collaborative projects allow students to share and blend their culture expressions, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of diversity.

Music Teacher Viktor Mastouridis says, “Students in Year 3 are all hooked to ‘East Africa’s Got Talent,’ which they say is their preferred music activity now. Allowing them to have agency, I modified the planning, and now we started learning African call-and-response songs, as well as African drumming.”

Learning Through Creation

Through the creation and performance of art, students learn about history, traditions, and the significance of cultural symbols, integrating this knowledge into their broader education. Teachers emphasise the importance of cultural literacy: “We encourage students to delve into their heritage and the local cultures around them. It broadens their perspectives and enriches their educational experience,” says Richard Deng, Head of the Music Department.

Eli Bautista, an Art and Design Teacher, describes how reflections from students typically show that they feel a sense of pride and connection to their cultural identity through art. Also, teachers have noticed how involved students are in learning about different countries and

traditions when they’re doing a piece of art about any culture, for example: Warli Art, Adinkra symbols, Mosaics, Noh Theatre, etc.

Connecting to the Curriculum

The arts at Dwight Schools are seamlessly woven into the curriculum, reflecting Dwight School London’s core pillars of personalised learning, community, and global vision. Students are guided to create projects that not only align with their personal interests but also resonate with global themes and social issues. This integration ensures that their artistic endeavours are both personally meaningful and academically enriching.

Visual arts and performing arts at the School are powerful conduits for cultural expression and education. They foster an inclusive environment where students celebrate their own and each other’s backgrounds, enhancing their learning and personal growth.

HELLO, GOODBYE

After serving our school with great dedication and leadership for seventeen years, Matt Parkin, our Junior School Principal, had his last day in May. We saw current and former teachers, plus parents and children, gather to say goodbye and celebrate the legacy he left on our school. Helen Enisuoh, our new Principal, who started earlier in April in order to have a handover period with Matt, says of her time thus far: “Thank you all for such a warm welcome to the Dwight family! It has been wonderful to meet our community at the gates and to begin to get to know the children.”