College unites to celebrate global diversity and culture

A college came together to celebrate culture and diversity during a day of activities.

The occasion took place at One Sixth Form College in Ipswich.

This was the third year in a row that the educational establishment had hosted this ‘culture day’ event.

Students and staff had the chance to get involved in sessions that included Chinese massage and acupuncture, culture art (with local artist Lily Hammond) and Latin food cooking classes also took place.

The community backed the event and representatives from the Ipswich Museum, Suffolk Archives and Volunteering Matters were in attendance.

Music was supplied by one of the BBC’s most promising DJ’s Angelle Joseph who has had recent spots on Radio 1 and Radio 1 Xtra.

The highlight saw a selection of learners and staff walk along a catwalk in traditional dress from the countries of their origin.

Sue Calvino is the head of pastoral support at One Sixth Form College and she helped organise the event with her colleagues. Sue said: “As a college we are very diverse and inclusive and it’s important that we celebrate this. It brings the community together and spreads the idea of love and respecting each other’s individuality.”

Angelle Joseph from the BBC said: “I supplied the vibes by the best possible way through music – we had songs from around the world.”

Ellisha Soanes is an equality and diversity consultant from Ipswich who works with the Eastern Education Group of which One Sixth Form College is a part of. Ellisha said: “It was lovely to see the students empowered.”

Rhys Hope, 18, from Rushmere St Andrew is a student who walked the catwalk representing Jamaica and Barbados: Rhys said: “I got involved as I wanted to represent my culture. It makes students feel seen, proud and motivated.

Charlotte Rayner is a teacher of performing arts who represented Lebanon on the catwalk. Charlotte said: “We support so many students who come from all over the world so it’s important to highlight the cultural differences and different upbringings we have shared, so we can gain a deeper understanding of the world that we live in.”

Rebecca Harpur is a volunteer engagement co-ordinator for Suffolk Archives – an external organisation who supported the day. Rebecca said: “We currently have an exhibition that is all about migration, that celebrates different the communities that now call Suffolk their home - so the culture day fitted in really nicely with our exhibition.”

The sixth form supports over 2000 students who have 50 ethnicities and speak 43 languages.