Cultural Capital at Irlam Primary School
What does Cultural Capital mean at Irlam primary School?
Every child and family who join our school setting will have their own knowledge and experiences that will link to their culture and wider family. This might include languages, beliefs, traditions, cultural and family heritage, interests, travel and work.
When children and families’ cultures are valued, both the child’s experience of learning and progress can benefit. It is one of the key ingredients that a pupil can draw upon to be successful in society, their career and the world of work.
Culture capital helps children to achieve goals, become successful and rise up the social ladder without necessarily having wealth or financial capital. Cultural capital is having assets that give children the desire to aspire and to achieve social mobility whatever their starting point.
The National Curriculum states,’ It is the essential knowledge that pupils need in order to be educated citizens, introducing them to the best that has been thought and said and helping to engender an appreciation of human creativity and achievement.’
What do we do in school for Cultural Capital?
These are some of the things we do each year …
- Children have a broad, flexible and balanced curriculum which builds on what they know and already understand. We believe that exposure to culture and new experiences is of paramount importance to their learning journey through life.
- We plan carefully for our children to have progressively richer experiences from Nursery to Year 6 – from trips to the local park in Nursery to Outdoor pursuits and weekend residentials in Y6.
- We support numerous charities throughout the year, both locally and nationally e.g. Jamie Horrocks trust, NSPCC, Ukraine Appeal, Mental Health UK, Comic Relief, NSPCC, Sport Relief – to name but a few.
- Culture week every year from Nursery to Y6 – learning about other countries and cultures.
- Business and Enterprise week – learning about the world of work and various professions.
- We have strong community links with local businesses and schools.
- Trips and visits in all year groups throughout the year.
- Visitors to school e.g. African Dance tribe/ Tallest man in the world and how he has overcome his differences.
- Comprehensive, progressive and detailed PSHE and RE schemes of work from nursery to year 6.
- Wide range of extra-curricular activities – from cookery to sport to mindfulness colouring and music.
- Intergenerational Day – involving local elderly residents in the life of the school and learning from generation to generation.
- Disability Awareness days each year – athletes in school with disabilities / children learning how to play sport with disabilities e.g wheelchair rugby.