Perins Wins National Día de Muertos Competition
Perins School is celebrating an extraordinary achievement as students embraced an immersive cross-curricular project centred around Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), the vibrant Mexican celebration rooted in both Aztec and Catholic traditions, and went on to win a national video competition judged by the University of Southampton and the Mexican Embassy in London.
The project brought together a dynamic blend of subjects, including Languages, Art, English, History, Religious Studies, and Food Technology, allowing students to experience this global festival through rich, hands-on learning. Activities ranged from creating colourful altars and papel picado to crafting traditional masks, writing reflective poetry, exploring the festival's historical origins, and preparing themed dishes in Food Technology. The project brilliantly united creativity, culture, and academic depth, creating an inspiring experience that truly lit up and further energised our school community.
“Learning about other cultures and what holidays they celebrate is fun and something I really enjoyed. By taking part in this project, I now know so much more than I did before!” - Perins Year 7 Student
On Tuesday, 9 December, Perins welcomed Dr Jane Lavery from the University of Southampton, who delivered an inspiring assembly to Year 7. Joining her, via Microsoft Teams, was the Mexican Ambassador in London, who congratulated students live as they announced Perins as the winners of the competition. Staff and students were thrilled to receive this recognition from such distinguished figures.
“Our students not only explored the cultural significance of Día de Muertos, but also gained a deeper understanding of how this festival differs from other celebrations around the world. This project promoted inclusivity, global awareness, and teamwork across year groups. It was a shining example of how enriching, collaborative learning can ignite curiosity and bring our school community together. We are incredibly proud of all our students for their enthusiasm and creativity.”
– Mr Nevola, Head of School
The accolade has sparked huge excitement across Perins, with staff and students alike delighted that their creativity and hard work have been recognised at a national level. The school looks forward to sharing the winning video on its platforms shortly.
Perins School continues to champion innovative projects that expand cultural awareness, celebrate diversity, and inspire students to explore the world beyond the classroom.
