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Karneval Celebrations with Rainbow School


Fasching is a traditional German celebration, also known as Karneval or Fastnacht. It is carnival season preceding Lent, which has been celebrated for centuries by people worldwide with German heritage. At the end of this season, people celebrate with a carnival and in school pupils dress in party clothes or fancy dress and enjoy sweet treats and party games throughout the day.

 

At English Martyrs’, we wanted to celebrate this festival with our partner school and friends over in Gelsenkircken, Germany.

On Friday 9th February, we took part in activities throughout the day to mark the occasion. We were even able to see and speak to some of the pupils at Rainbow School (Regenbogenschule).

 

Here are some highlights from our day.


Dressing up and making masks

  • It is traditional for people to dress up, wear costumes and masks during Karneval. 

  • In school our pupils were encouraged to come dressed in costumes and/or colourful clothes. 

  • The teachers even joined in too! You may spot teachers at both English Martyrs' and Rainbow school in the pictures below. 

  • Children at English Martyrs' also made colourful festival masks to wear in school for the day.



Video Conferencing

 

Pupils in KS2 took part in video conferencing sessions with their equivalent classes at Rainbow School. We played games such as 'guess the costume' as well as musical statues. 

We listened to some traditional Karneval music and created a shared playlist of songs. 

Mrs McCaffrey played the piano and we shared one of our favourite traditional songs from the north east - The Blaydon Races. 

 

'It was great seeing everyone at Rainbow School, in Gelsenkirchen - it made it all real to see the other children via the live link.' Sterling