What is Cultural Capital?
Every student and family entering our school brings with them a unique set of knowledge and experiences derived from their culture and familial background. This encompasses various elements such as languages spoken, beliefs held, traditions practiced, cultural heritage, familial interests, travel experiences, and professional backgrounds.
Research indicates that acknowledging and valuing the diverse cultural backgrounds of students and families can positively impact the learning experience and academic progress of children (Husain et al., 2018; Gazzard, E. 2018 in Chalmers, H. and Crisfield, E. 2019).
Cultural capital refers to the accumulation of knowledge, behaviours and skills that a child acquires, reflecting their cultural awareness, knowledge and competency. It serves as a crucial resource that students can draw upon to thrive in society, pursue successful careers, and navigate the complexities of the professional world.
Cultural capital confers power upon individuals, enabling them to achieve their goals, attain success, and ascend the social hierarchy, irrespective of their financial wealth. It encompasses assets that foster ambition and facilitate social mobility, regardless of a person’s initial socio-economic background.
What does Cultural Capital look like at Tebay Primary School?
At Tebay Primary School, we are dedicated to guiding students on their unique educational and personal journeys from the moment they step into our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) program. Through play-based learning, children are provided with opportunities to interpret and make sense of various experiences, thereby reinforcing their cultural capital. Role-playing, in particular, serves as a valuable tool for this purpose, allowing children to engage with and understand societal norms and broader global contexts.
Our curriculum is designed to be flexible, building upon students’ existing knowledge and understanding while exposing them to new and diverse experiences. We believe in the importance of broadening students’ horizons by introducing them to unfamiliar concepts and situations. This exposure ensures that each child has access to a wide array of opportunities, enriching their lives and expanding their cultural capital.
As students progress through our school, we progressively expose them to richer and more diverse experiences. This includes educational outings to local landmarks, visits to places of worship, museums, sports events, and music venues, among others.
Our aim is to equip students with essential knowledge, experiences, and reference points that will empower them to succeed in their individual journeys. By engaging with a diverse range of experiences and interacting with people from various backgrounds, students can broaden their understanding of the world, thus enhancing and extending their cultural capital.
At Tebay Primary School, we are committed to:
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Celebrating and embracing the diverse backgrounds, heritages, languages, and traditions of all students within our community.
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Providing enriching experiences and knowledge that immerse students in the world around them, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves and the society in which they live.
