Pupils from a Loddon school held an 'All About Kenya' workshop last week as part of a celebration of black history and culture.

Year 9 pupils and staff from Langley School took part in the international event to embrace Black History Month (BHM), which is held every October in Britain.

The event aims to promote knowledge of black history, culture and heritage, share information about positive black contributions to British society and heighten the confidence and awareness of black people to their cultural heritage.

Director of music Andrew Stratford, organised the day. He said: 'The day was for all of Year 9 and 90 children took part. The day gave the students a very enjoyable and varied day learning about cultural backgrounds and reputable achievements. It also makes a change from the normal week to week curriculum.'

Incorporated into the monthly celebration is an annual trip to Kenya for the sixth formers at the school.

Between 16 and 20 pupils will embark on the trip this Thursday to uphold the links between the Gilgil Township School and orphange, St Paul's Children's Centre in Nairobi.

Head of Year 8 and 9 and religious education teacher Andrew Walker, organises the trip each year and explained why it will be a fantastic opportunity for the pupils.

'I think the link is important as a two way thing,' he said.

'It's like a gap year in two weeks. The students will be doing charity work and it will make them aware of their privileged background and give them a good cultural understanding. It's also really nice for the people we work with in Kenya, as we have built up good links with these people and we are working in partnership with them.'

As well as taking part in the 'All About Kenya' workshop, the pupils got the chance to try Zimbabwean drumming, write poetry based on the famous 'I Have a Dream' speech, cook a selection of African cuisine, and design African ceramic tiles.

Mr Walker added: 'The pupils loved the day because it was very different from what we might do on a normal day. It's a fun day but it's got a really good message to it too.'

BHM began in 1926 when a former editor Carter Woodson, established African Caribbean celebrations in America, which is still celebrated there every February. It is estimated in Britain that more than 6,000 events take place each year to celebrate BHM.