PUPILS at Whitchurch School spent an entire day immersed in the culture of the rainforest last week as they learned all about the life and music of the Baka people of Africa.

From the youngest reception child to the oldest year six pupil, the whole school learned snatches of the Baka language, were taught songs and dances and watched a slide show which illustrated life in the rainforest, Baka myths and rituals and the changes taking place in the environment.

The rainforest workshop was led by Su Hart, a teacher and musician who has spent three winters living with the Baka people in the forests of South East Cameroon.

Ricci Achillini, headteacher at Whitchurch School, said: 'As a school we have a long-term strategy to develop multicultural awareness amongst our pupils, so this fits in really well with that.

'There's a real buzz throughout the whole school — they are all loving it — even the year 6 boys are wearing leaf skirts!'

Staff member Val Lobb said: 'There is something for everyone in it — what I have enjoyed is that Su has arranged it so that everyone is involved, even the infants.

'It's lovely that it's raising money for a good cause as well.'

Proceeds from a study booklet by Su Hart and a CD featuring field recordings of the Baka music go towards projects in the Baka's forest homeland.

The children rounded off a day of learning with a 15-minute performance involving songs and dance.