Our Cultures, Our Stories: A Week of Celebration at GYCA

From the sizzle of samosas to the shimmer of traditional fabrics, Great Yarmouth Charter Academy came alive this week with colour, flavour, and pride as pupils and staff celebrated Our Cultures, Our Stories — a five-day festival honouring the rich diversity of our school community.

With over 43 nationalities and languages represented, the week was a joyful showcase of identity, heritage, and unity — reminding us that every story matters and every culture enriches our shared experience.

Monday & Friday: Wear Your Heritage  

Pupils proudly wore traditional dress, cultural ties, and heritage badges, transforming corridors into a tapestry of global fashion. From tartan kilts to vibrant saris, the message was clear we are proud of who we are.  

Katie Williams, Head pupil, said "It was amazing to see pupils beam with pride as they explained the meaning behind their outfits," , "The school council and house captains wanted every pupil to feel seen and celebrated — and they absolutely did.”

Monday: Taste the World – MFL Cuisine Challenge  

The school was filled with the aroma of spices, sweetness, and stories as pupils entered their homemade dishes into the Taste the World competition. Judged on flavour, colour, and authenticity, entries ranged from biryani and cream puffs to Bulgarian cakes and Caribbean patties.  

Photos captured pupils sharing food in classrooms, hallways, and even outdoors — trays of pastries passed between friends.  

“Food is a language we all understand,” said Ms Snaith, Head of Modern Foreign Languages.  “This week was about more than recipes — it was about connection, pride, and learning from one another.”

Tuesday & Wednesday: Spot Your Heritage – Find Your Flag  

Maps and flags adorned the school walls, each one representing a member of our community. Pupils explored the displays, discovering shared roots and new stories. Staff proudly marked their heritage, sparking conversations and curiosity.

Thursday: Global Kitchen Masterclass  

Mrs Buckenham hosted a hands-on cooking session, guiding pupils through recipes from around the world. From folding pastry to seasoning sauces, pupils learned not just techniques, but the cultural stories behind each dish.

A Week to Remember  

Throughout the week, pupils shared their backgrounds, swapped recipes, and celebrated one another’s traditions. Flags waved, ovens baked, and stories were told — all under the banner of respect, inclusion, and joy.

Our Cultures, Our Stories was more than a theme — it was a lived experience, and one that will echo through our school long after the final dish was served.