Education PROGRAMME
St Pauls Carnival’s Education Programme is a key component of Carnival 365; from traditional costume making to Black History Month outreach, assemblies and steel pan drumming lessons, we bring the spirit of Carnival to schools and the community, 365 days a year.
We work with schools and young people across Bristol to explore African-Caribbean heritage and culture, Carnival history, identity, community and creativity through engaging, arts-based learning.
Our 2026 Education Programme:
4,230
students reached
11
Schools engaged
98
Workshops
What we do and why we do it
We believe that creative practice and cultural learning are strongest when they happen together.
A dance workshop can be an opportunity to explore where traditions come from. Costume-making can open up conversations about identity and representation. Learning about Carnival history can help young people understand the significance of the creativity they are taking part in.
That's why our programmes combine contextual learning with practical creative experiences.
African dance
Carnival History & Heritage
African-Caribbean Cultural Education
Costume-Making
Windrush & Black History
Whole-School Cultural Days
Lead Up to Carnival Arts Programme
Our Lead Up to Carnival Arts Programme gives children and young people the opportunity to experience the creative process behind Carnival over a number of weeks.
In 2026, five Bristol schools took part:
Willow Park CofE Primary School
May Park Primary School
E-ACT Fairlawn Primary School
Cotham Secondary School
Fairfield High School
Around 150 pupils took part in a sustained programme exploring Carnival history and heritage alongside costume-making, African dance, performance and rehearsals.
From the classroom to the community
The programme gives pupils the chance to see their learning develop into something they can share with others.
In 2026, the programme culminated in a performance at our Elders Brunch at Malcolm X Community Centre.
Following the cancellation of the planned Carnival procession, we adapted the programme so that pupils could still celebrate and share the work they had created over several months.
The result was a powerful intergenerational experience, bringing young people together with elders, families and members of the wider community.
“The children absolutely loved performing alongside other schools in front of the elders.”
— Willow Park Primary School
Teachers
We also create opportunities for teachers to develop their own understanding of Carnival, its history and its cultural context.
Our Teachers' Taster Day gives staff the chance to experience elements of the programme themselves, including contextual learning, creative activity, costume-making and dance.
This helps teachers feel more connected to the programme and gives them ideas for continuing the learning within their own classrooms.
“The Taster Day was fantastic from start to finish… the dancing was so joyful I think it put a smile on everyone’s faces.”
— Cotham Secondary School
The difference it makes
Our Education Programme is about more than delivering workshops.
We want young people to leave our programmes with:
Greater cultural understanding
Confidence and creativity
Teamwork and connection
Pride and belonging
A connection to community
“The St Paul's Education Programme for schools is such a positive force for good.”
— Cotham Secondary School
Work with us
Are you a school, teacher/facilitator or organisation interested in bringing St Pauls Carnival's Education Programme to your young people?
Whether you're looking for a one-off workshop, whole-school cultural day or a longer-term creative programme, we'd love to hear from you.
Email us: admin@stpaulscarnival.org.uk
Supporters
We are grateful to the Paul Hamlyn Foundation for supporting the continued development of our Education Programme.
Their support helps us create meaningful opportunities for children and young people across Bristol to explore culture, heritage, creativity and community.
