Cultural Capital
Curriculum Menu
Cultural Capital at Thatto Heath Community Primary School
What is cultural capital?
As part of making the judgement about the quality of education, inspectors will consider the extent to which schools are equipping pupils with the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life. Our understanding of ‘knowledge and cultural capital’ is derived from the following wording in the national curriculum: ‘It is the essential knowledge that pupils need 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.’
Personal Development
At Thatto Heath Community Primary School, we place a strong emphasis on developing our pupils’ personal skills and attributes. This includes building their self-awareness, self-esteem, and resilience through a range of activities and experiences. We provide opportunities for pupils to set and achieve personal goals, develop their decision-making skills, and learn how to manage their emotions effectively. Our pastoral support system and PSHE curriculum play a crucial role in nurturing our pupils’ personal growth and well-being.
Social Development, including political and current affairs awareness
We recognise the importance of equipping our pupils with the social skills and awareness they need to navigate the world around them. Through our curriculum and extracurricular activities, we encourage our pupils to engage with their local community, understand the role of government and political processes, and stay informed about current events. Pupils participate in debates, mock elections, and community projects, developing their ability to communicate effectively, work collaboratively, and consider diverse perspectives.
Physical Development
Promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles is a key priority at Thatto Heath Community Primary School. Our pupils have access to a range of sports and physical education opportunities, including high-quality PE lessons, after-school clubs, and participation in local and regional competitions. We also provide our pupils with opportunities to learn about the importance of nutrition, sleep, and mental well-being, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to lead active and healthy lives.
Spiritual Development
We believe that nurturing our pupils’ spiritual development is crucial for their overall growth and well-being. Through our Religious Education curriculum, assemblies, and opportunities for reflection and contemplation, we encourage our pupils to explore their own beliefs, values, and sense of purpose. Pupils engage with a diverse range of religious and non-religious worldviews, fostering an understanding and appreciation of different perspectives.
Moral Development
At Thatto Heath Community Primary School, we place a strong emphasis on developing our pupils’ moral understanding and ethical decision-making skills. Our curriculum and school ethos promote the importance of kindness, empathy, and respect for others. Pupils engage in discussions and activities that explore moral dilemmas, the consequences of their actions, and the importance of upholding universal human values.
Cultural Development
We are committed to celebrating and promoting the rich cultural diversity of our school community and the wider world. Through our curriculum, we expose our pupils to a diverse range of art, music, literature, and traditions from different cultures and backgrounds. Pupils have opportunities to participate in cultural events, explore their own heritage, and develop an appreciation for the contributions of diverse communities to human civilisation.
How we build experiences and knowledge by immersing pupils in the world around them
Our knowledge rich, Heart curriculum has been tailored to the specific needs of the community we serve. We ensure that our children can apply their knowledge in various cultural and social contexts.
At Thatto Heath CPS we make time to talk. We are a Voice 21 Oracy school. Vocabulary development and providing our pupils with the confidence and skills to speak in public is a key feature of our curriculum development.
We embed a variety of cultural experiences through our curriculum coverage and enrichment opportunities. Below are just a few examples of how we enrich our curriculum. This is just a snapshot of some of our curriculum highlights. A more detailed account can be gained by reviewing subject/year group curriculum overviews, our enrichment themed days, our workshops, visits and visitors summary, our extra-curricular club information and our SMSC tracker grid. The tracker provides a detailed account of our broad and balanced curriculum.
- Thatto Pledge
- Diverse range of texts shared with pupils
- Ambassador roles
- Historical drama workshops
- Instrumental lessons and our singing curriculum
- Music appreciation slots in assemblies
- Guest musicians and workshops
- Links with local universities
- Educational visits linked to our topics
- Learning about the people in our community such as the police and fire services
- Artist in residence events
- Guest speakers representing a range of faiths and beliefs
- ‘Poetry by Heart’ membership
- Poetry reading in assembly
- Poetry showcases for parents and poetry shared weekly in assemblies
- Black History Month is woven into the history and English curriculum
- Picture News assemblies
- Weekly focus on a British Value
- Appreciation of the natural world
- Well-being curriculum through PSHE, Growth Mindset and Character Education lessons
- Cultural events
- Celebration of diversity including neurodiversity, LGBT+
- Explicit teaching of the protected characteristics each week
- Charity events
- Links with St John’s Church
- Our dance curriculum taught by a specialist across the school
- Financial curriculum taught through ‘Money Sense’
- Supporting our local community through our Mini Police, litter picking and other community events such as nursing home visiting
- Careers day event
- Celebration of past pupils’ success and achievements
