Northampton Academy and Campion School students welcome Alastair Campbell for 'My Culture Day'

The academies’ ‘My Culture Day’ is designed to encourage students to celebrate the diversity of cultures represented across their school communities, whilst promoting the British values that unite us all. Whilst the Q&A took place at Northampton Academy, it was live-streamed to four other participating schools across United Learning’s Northamptonshire and North Oxfordshire cluster – including Campion School.

In keeping with this theme, Alastair drew on his experience in politics and media to speak about the importance of diversity, how we can work effectively with people we may disagree with, and how to listen well. He also took questions from students across the schools who spoke confidently and thoughtfully.

As part of the day, both schools also enjoyed cultural parades, global street food and creative activities, including readings, live music and a cultural quiz. Students also benefited from a live-streamed session delivered by Toby Gorniak MBE, an award-winning coach and speaker, about culture, belonging and inclusiveness.

Each school also saw one of their students crowned as a winner of a cluster-wide creative competition, where students were encouraged to submit a piece of artwork, poetry, film, music or digital media exploring what culture and belonging mean to them. Northampton Academy’s winning entry was produced by Year 13 student Aaliyah, who created a picture collage with an accompanying poem, while Campion School’s winner was Year 7 student Amy, who created a piece of artwork celebrating quintessential Britishness.

Orla, a Year 8 student at Northampton Academy, said: “Our annual ‘My Culture Day’ is an eye-opening event that unites the school while allowing everyone to truly embrace their culture and heritage. The food, cultural dress and overall atmosphere is a wonderful thing to experience and is a highlight of the academic year.”

Bella, a Campion Sixth Form student, added: “What I liked most about ‘My Culture Day’ was the way we were all brought together as a school and as a community to celebrate everyone’s cultures and backgrounds.”

Owen Jones, Principal at Northampton Academy, said: “As a school that has recently achieved a national Flagship School Award for inclusion, days like this are incredibly important to us. They reflect our commitment to celebrating every individual across our school community and ensuring everyone feels seen, valued and respected. That is exactly why ‘My Culture Day’ continues to be one of the most successful and meaningful days in our calendar.”

Kim Bradley-Smith, Principal at Campion School, added: “It was incredible to experience our first-ever ‘My Culture Day’ at Campion. Joining more than 7,000 students across the cluster made the day even more special, and it was wonderful to see our young people celebrating the rich diversity within our school. I am exceptionally proud of how fully our students embraced the activities on offer, and I would like to thank our dedicated Character Team for their hard work in bringing this event to life.”

Speaking on the day, Chris Clyne, Secondary Regional Director at United Learning, commented: “This is a day that embraces all cultures, including British culture, and reminds us that our differences unite us. As a proud Scotsman, I even wore my kilt to mark the occasion. With fantastic guests like Toby Gorniak MBE and Alastair Campbell speaking with our young people, today showed exactly what can happen when we celebrate every story across our school communities.”