The tribal drum beats and songs of the Zulu filled a Bushey school today, when pupils took part in a music and dance workshop.

Youngsters from Bournehall School, in Bournehall Avenue, were visited by the Mighty Zulu Nation Theatre Company, who took their charges through a number of dance routines and led them in African chants.

Parents, who contributed to pay for the workshops, were then able to see their children perform what they had learned during the day.

Headteacher Jill Litchfield grew up in South Africa and returned there when she was married, so was delighted her pupils could share her passion for the country.

She said: “It's such a fantastic opportunity and I knew the kids would love it. They have learnt so much and they will never forget it.

“We're embracing all different cultures because it's a global society and it was a really fun way to learn. Learning should be fun and participating is the best way to learn.”

The off-timetable day was part of Bournehall's aim to become an international school. It has already achieved intermediate level of the International Schools Award, and has links to Uganda, France, New Zealand and India.

Year 6 teacher Alice Lyden, the international co-ordinator, said: “It's to try and enrich the curriculum. This is a bit of a one-off having a day like this but it's something the children got so much out of.”

The Mighty Zulu Nation Theatre Company originally come from KwaZulu-Natal, a province of South Africa whose largest city is Durban.

Member S'wela Thwala said: “We are in schools for a cultural exchange. We teach them about the culture of Zulus. We learn about them and they learn about us. It's about respecting cultures.

“This school will always be remembered. Their response to it was fantastic.”