For a week in November the school held an array of events to highlight the school's link with the Gambia. This included a Yr 7 Gambia global citizenship day where the students learnt about the culture of this African country. The entire of the year group were off normal timetable to participant in dance, drama, music, art and food workshops.

The students had a thoroughly enjoyable day and learnt about the culture of this unique and friendly country. Artists from Africa  delivered vibrant  performing arts related activities and learnt more about
the country.

Music and dance are an integral part of everyday culture in the Gambia.
Commented  Abagail Whitehouse, age 11, “I liked the drumming and the dance because we could dress up. In assembly we learnt about the culture and geography of the country. They eat different food from us and it takes them all day to cook as they have to go to the market and buy all the ingredients and take them home and cook them outside in a metal pot over a fire. They have chicken , but they have to kill it and pluck it!”

Commented Pamodou Sowe from Rhythmworks “The children were very well behaved and were interested in drumming. They understood the cultures behind the drums and had good techniques in tone and slap.”

The folk tale workshop was led by drama specialist Debs Browning using genuine artefacts some of which she had gathered from  her visit to the Gambia. The students brought a Gambian folk tale to life using props and costumes and things you would find in everyday life in a Gambian market.

Commonweal school visits the Gambia every two years, the next visit is in 2010. They are twinned with several schools in Gunjur village and the school visits these on their bi yearly visits to hold workshops in the performing arts.

During the week students raised funds through cheerleading, a lunchtime concert, trampolining and performance poetry workshops.