Carnival of cultures at Chestnut Park Primary School

Carnival came to a Croydon primary school celebrating the diverse cultures and backgrounds of the children.

The Carnival made its first appearance at Chestnut Park Primary last year and proved so successful that it’s now a regular date in the school’s diary. 

Using decorated shopping trolleys as floats, parents and carers watched the children take part in a parade before taking part in music and dance from around the world. The school's own choir and Rap Club also gave a performance.

“The carnival is a way to celebrate the knowledge and understanding of the countries the children have learnt about, through performing arts skills,” said Miss Rajinder Poonian, Assistant Head Teacher.

Pupils at the school, a member of GLF Schools​ Multi Academy Trust, were all involved in showcasing their knowledge and the trolleys were decorated with artwork they created in the run-up to the event.

“Carnival is a way of deepening the children’s learning, which we have had to fund through previously-owned clothes day and other fundraising. It cannot go ahead without funding for the workshops that are booked for children to learn specific performance skills,” added Miss Poonian.

The whole event is aimed to create a celebratory atmosphere and is held on the school playground, which means it relies on the cooperation of the weather. Younger children present their performance in the morning while the older year group takes the afternoon slot.

“At Chestnut Park we embrace everyone from all cultural backgrounds and celebrate everyone,” said Miss Poonian.

“This year has demonstrated that the children who were involved in carnival last year have built upon their performance skills and confidence. The children will leave Chestnut Park with confidence and resilience. They will demonstrate an awareness of people in the wider world and not only show they respect all people, but celebrate their uniqueness.”

The most recent Ofsted inspection (October 2024) commented on the carnival as an initiative to ‘celebrate pupils' background through shared music, dance and food’ when inspectors said the school had retained its previous grade of ‘Outstanding’.