International Week at Margaret Wix is looking to be a mixed bag for its pupils, with international cuisine to try, new dances to learn – but extra French lessons!

The school decided to hold the event after its students expressed an interest in learning more about other cultures.

Organiser Amy Arnott said: “We have had International Day for the past two years and the children have really enjoyed it, it gave them a chance to learn a little about their country, and gave them a strong sense of identity.

“Last year we learned about seven countries on the same day, but the children said this was too quick.

“So this year on the Monday and Tuesday they are learning about India and Italy.”

At the start of the week, on Monday, the children will also be given a Bangla dance demonstration.

Parents are being invited to set up a stall at the international food festival on Thursday, and take part in demonstration French lessons with teacher Madame Ough.

Margaret Wix’s headteacher Damien Johnston said: “International Week is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the fantastic, diverse school community we serve.

“Tolerance and mutual respect are key British values, and it is important the whole school community understands the importance of these.

“Mrs Arnott has worked incredibly hard to organise these wonderful learning opportunities for the whole school community.”

The week will conclude with an International Dance Festival, where the children will perform dances they have been learning with the help of Marlborough Science Academy.

The week is part of a project called Language in Learning Across the Curriculum, which involves the school, local authorities including Enfield Council, and Sheffield Hallam University.

The project is designed to encourage children to pick up a language – which many institutions predict will help them find a job later in life.

Mr Johnston said: “Teachers have been trialling a range of different strategies and staff have the opportunity to attend intensive training.

“The quality of teaching at the school is good, and involvement in this project by a dedicated team of teachers will only improve standards further.”