Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

We are a multi-cultural society. In schools, children are taught how people live. Wonderful songs, dances and storiesΜύ from all over the world are an exciting part of education.

Fiona Jackson helps teach country dancing

But what about England? That's part of the world too. What do children in an English school know about their own traditions.

Fiona Jackson, a teaching assistant at Broseley C of E School had the bright idea. She asked Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Shropshire's CSV Media Action Desk to help and together they mobilised an army of volunteers… (well, three or four) to teach dance, drama, crafts, singing and local stories.

Caroline Pearce points out the right way to dance

Head teacher, Jonathon Pygott was happy to welcome them into the school and over a week all the children got a taste of tradition – from morris dancing to mummers plays.

Monday started with some English country dancing lead by Caroline Pearce, Action Desk volunteer.Μύ Tuesday was given over to singing with Genevieve and music teacher Lorna Shade taking the lead.Μύ

Teri and Mike Greene storytelling

One of the songs the youngsters learnt was a sea shanty – not exactly local in the land-locked county of Shropshire but it was certainly a rousing chorus.

Meanwhile Fiona was leading the reception class in traditional singing and dancing games.

Storytellers Mike and Terri Greene spent a jolly time on Wednesday with Shropshire tales all about witches, robbers, giants and demons! Hope no-one had nightmares.

Morris sticks flying as Dave Hunt looks on

Thursday was the hit of the week.ΜύDave Hunt of Sunshine Arts came in to teach border morris dancing (with sticks!) and run an afternoon barn dance.ΜύThe children loved it – particularly the hitting sticks bit.

Friday was a show and tell assembly in the morning with some of the children presenting a brilliant mummers play for the others to watch, expertly coached by form teacher Caroline Bagnall.

Getting involved in the story

It all turned out splendidly and Jonathon even said he'd be happy to host the same again and promote it to other Shropshire teachers.