This is an amalgam of examples taken from schools to show how they based their carnival work within requirements of the National Curriculum.

Core Subjects

English

African and Caribbean stories, traditional Anansi stories, the oral tradition explored, storytelling skills developed, writers, poets and calypsonians studied, Caribbean languages, children writing calypsos, stories and poems, exploring in language, developing descriptive language.

Mathematics

Estimating amounts, measuring fabrics and materials, counting and recording findings, studying pattern and symmetry, studying shape and design, developing positional and directional language.

Science

Colours of the spectrum, materials and their properties, changes to materials, for example through using dyes and wax resist techniques, forces involved in pushing and pulling, themes relating to study of the natural world explored and linked to costume design, for example animals, camouflage in nature, the universe, under the sea, the environment, birds, and flight, flowers and garden insects.

Information & Communication Technology

Collecting data, using the world processor to tell stories, using the painting program to explore patterns, design costumes, researching using the Internet.

Foundation Subjects

Technology

Making plans, evaluating designings and constructing costumes. Masks and headpieces, making musical instruments, investigating and testing suitable materials such as wire and willow, paper and plastic, glues, paints, using tools, saws, drills, pliers, constructing large scale artefacts, food and festivals from the Caribbean, shopping in local markets, preparing and cooking food, portable food and drinks.

History

The history of the Caribbean peoples, invasion and settlements, the movement of peoples, slavery and indentured labour, the triangular trade between Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean, exploitation, the history of Carnival, West African carnival, European carnival, post war immigration, beginnings of carnival in Nottinghill, local histories of carnival, children's family histories, oral histories, British history topics taken into costume designing, for example the Romans.

Geography

Maps of the world, trade and travel, Africa and the Caribbean, journeys, food and farming, the seasons, the environment and conservation, flora and fauna of the Caribbean, the route of the carnival processions.

Art

Costume design, study of traditional designs for carnival costumes, working in variety of media, paint, clay, paper mache, tie dye, collage, paper engineering, fabric painting, wax resist, batik, use of vegetable dyes, study of West African fabric design, mask making from clay, card, paper mache, appreciation of different styles in art through study of European, Caribbean and African art and its exemplification through and influences on Carnival.

Religious and Moral Education

Christian tradition and carnival, the meaning of Lent, Shrove Tuesday and Mardi Grass, Traditional West African religious beliefs, e.g. Shango, Caribbean religions, Hinduism, Rastafarinism, Pentecostal churches, respect for cultures and beliefs of others, shared values and rights, co-operation and sharing, the development of wonder, caring for our world and each other.

Dance and Drama

Caribbean and African dance forms, Asian dance, Latin American dance, self-expression, story dramas, dances of traditional carnival characters eg Sailor, Fancy Indian, Midnight Robber, dance related to 'playing your mas' linked to themes for costumes, for example birds, role play, characterisation and mime, masquerading.

Music

History of Caribbean song forms, calypso, soca, reggae, rapso, the development of steel band, how to make a steel pan, links with African music, especially the drum, performing and listening to music, writing songs.

Personal Social and Cultural Education

Developing respect, learning to co-operate, handling difference, building self-esteem, celebrating diversity.