Sun, Indian dance, food and music were the order of the day when the entire of year group 7 were off time table to savour the flavours of the East.

Commonweal have just been awarded Artsmark Gold, the highest award offered to schools from the Arts Council, this is as benchmark to recognise the wealth of the Arts in our schools. Commented Josie Williams the school's Community Arts Development Officer. " This project is a fine example of the fabulous events which has helped us win Artmark Gold. We have incorporated citizenship issues and the performing arts as a vehicle to enable young people to experience and understand Indian culture. The young people thoroughly enjoyed the day and were engaged in a variety of workshops."

The young people watched Kalai Kaviri dancers, who are currently on tour from the University of Fine Arts in Tiruchirapalli, South India. Then it was all feet to the dance floor as the year group participated in workshops though out the day. These also included sessions by Dr Joel, a doctor of medicine and an Indian musician who gave the young people first hand experience about tsunami hit Tami Nadu, India. His music techniques involved listening to traditional Indian instruments then encouraging the youngsters to use their voices as instruments. This was then recorded and is to be made into a CD.

Mita Gadher, a beauty specialist from Bath, ran sari dressing and henna tattoos workshops in the library. This was also the venue for a mock Indian wedding in which the young people danced around the eternal flame.

Rangoli, which is Indian patterns usually done in coloured sand and positioned in doorways to ward off evil spirits, was on the menu along with Indian block making and printing and a session on making Indian tiles was delivered by Commonweal's artist in residence Tracey Baker-Stewart.

Then feeling a little peckish the youngsters watched a master cookery class which was given free of charge by owner Khalique from the Maharajah Indian Restaurant in Purton. The culture of the food was discussed and of course sample were on offer!

Khalique, the owner of this exquisite Tandoori and Balti Restaurant in Purton sent two of his top chefs to run masterclasses. Thank-you Khalique you are a star!

For restaurant bookings please tel 01793 770253 or 770998, the cuisine and service is excellent. www.themaharajah.co.uk