A Taste of the World: Scots International Feast Showcases School Diversity
Lunchtime on Friday 21 November, saw Scots students pack the Main Oval for the annual International Feast, exploring food, music and hands-on activities from across the world. The space was filled with the smell of fresh crêpes and fragrant dumplings steamed and fried as boys moved between stalls, trying everything from coconut bowling to origami.
The festival opened with boys first gathering lunch from Black Watch Café before crowds began forming around the cooking stations. The loudest reactions came from the French stall, where cheers broke out every time a crêpe flipped cleanly in the pan.
Mathematics Teacher, Mr Guan said the day helps students connect with one another through culture.
“This event brings everyone together. About ten percent of the Year 7 boys this year came from international backgrounds, and that number is only growing. Even boys who are not international have cultural roots somewhere – it is a wonderful way for everyone to feel included.”
Nearby, boys crowded around the dumpling station, folding dough while others lined up for second servings. Across the field, students tested their chopstick skills and took part in Japanese paper-folding.
Head Boy said the International Feast has become a meaningful tradition.
“Scots is a culturally diverse school with students from so many countries. The International Feast is a great way to celebrate those backgrounds and recognise what each culture brings to our community.”
The drumming station drew constant crowds, adding rhythm and noise to the atmosphere. Between the music and the food stalls, boys moved in groups, sharing samples and comparing favourites.
The feast helped bring the College community together by encouraging students to interact across year groups and cultural backgrounds. Boys tried new foods, learned different cultural crafts, and worked alongside prefects and teachers at each stall. By sharing experiences in a relaxed, hands-on environment, students connected with peers they might not normally meet – turning cultural differences into a shared celebration.
Many students highlighted the food as a favourite part of the day. A Scots Prefect said: “My favourite dish was definitely the pad Thai – it was delicious. I love events like this because it brings the Scots community together, and you can really see the diversity across each group.”
Lunch brought the biggest rush of the day, with long lines forming around the busiest stations.
Teachers and prefects guided activities throughout the day, ensuring students could safely enjoy each station. The event highlighted the creativity and enthusiasm of the school community, with students engaging in cultural activities and sharing experiences across year groups!
