The BVI London Office, in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council, has launched the first structured cultural exchange programme between a UK Overseas Territory and UK schools, delivered as part of the Year 6 curriculum.
Early in the first term, Year 6 students explored the BVI’s history and culture, from colonization and emancipation to national heroes and festivals, and experienced music, dance, storytelling and traditional foods such as cassava bread, coconut and pineapple tarts, and gooseberry stew.
These sessions were led by Dr Angel Smith and the BVI London Office team.
Officials say this is the first time UK students are engaging with the history, culture and global role of a UK Overseas Territory as part of their school year.
The BVI is said to be leading the way in cultural diplomacy and curriculum inclusion, offering a positive, precedent setting model for how Overseas Territories’ stories can be shared in British classrooms.
The programme continues across three terms: History & Culture (Sept 2025), Tourism & Economy (Jan 2026) and Environment & Sustainability (July 2026).
The BVI London Office envisages expanding to secondary schools and colleges to deepen engagement on governance, economy and environmental stewardship and to reshape how the BVI is introduced to future generations of UK citizens.