BEYOND THE CURRICULUM
Every child and family who joins our 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 and interests.
Cultural capital is the accumulation of knowledge, behaviours and skills that a child can draw upon and which demonstrates their cultural awareness, knowledge and competence. It is one of the key ingredients a pupil will draw upon to be successful in society, their career and the world of work.
Cultural capital gives power. It helps children 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 achieve social mobility whatever their starting point.
Ofsted define cultural capital as:
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.’
At Dersingham Primary School, our curriculum is designed to instil high aspirations in all of our children and to encourage them to become resilient, life-long learners who embrace challenges and continue to grow and develop their cultural capital. We believe that exposure, not only to culture but also to situations in which the children might not have previous experiences of, is of paramount importance to their ongoing successes.
Gradually widening children’s experiences as they progress through school is an important step in providing rich and engaging learning across the curriculum. We plan carefully for children to have these experiences from EYFS and beyond. These include trips to the local park, shops and visits to places of worship, museums, sports and music venues to name a few.
_20240116165236004_20240209153159665.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&scale=LIMIT_MAXSIZE "buildingpersonaldevelopmentculturalcapital-2(1)_20240116165236004")
Music at Dersingham - At Dersingham, we pride ourselves on the vibrant and inclusive music offer that we provide for our pupils. We are fortunate to have a dedicated music specialist who collaborates closely with our school to offer a wide variety of musical experiences.
From beatboxing to the mesmerising performances of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, our pupils are exposed to a diverse range of musical styles and genres. We also had the privilege of hosting talented Chinese musicians who shared their rich cultural heritage with our pupils. Moreover, our school boasts its very own choir, where pupils can showcase their vocal talents and develop their harmonious skills. The choir also participates in a weekly singing assembly, fostering a sense of unity and artistic expression among our students. Through these exceptional musical opportunities, our pupils have gained remarkable experiences that have enriched their lives.
Spain - Every year a group of KS2 pupils spend a week in Cantabria, Spain to experience its history, culture and language. Pupils engage in a range of activities and excursions including to the Picos de Europa and cable car, the Altamira Caves Museum and Gaudi’s El Capricho villa in Comillas
Basket ball match at the Copperbox Arena - Our pupils had the absolute blast of their lives watching an awesome basketball match live! The energy in the stadium was electric, and the London Lions players displayed some jaw-dropping skills. It was truly a memorable experience for our pupils, who cheered and roared with excitement throughout the game. Witnessing such athletic talent up close left them inspired and ignited a passion for basketball in many. This incredible outing will forever be etched in their minds!
Spanish Day - At Dersingham, we had a fantastic 'Spanish Day' where Spanish was celebrated as the MFL language of choice. Our classes had a blast exploring the vibrant culture, beautiful language and rich traditions of Spain. From flamenco dancing to learning basic greetings and phrases, our pupils immersed themselves in a day filled with excitement and learning. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to broaden their horizons and develop a deeper appreciation for the Spanish-speaking world.¡Fue un día increíblemente divertido!
First Aid Training - In Year 6, our pupils completed basic first aid training as part of the 2014 National Curriculum in England curriculum. The aim of this training is to equip them with essential skills and knowledge to provide immediate care in emergency situations. Through interactive sessions, they learnt about assessing injuries, applying bandages and performing CPR .This training not only developed their confidence and responsibility but also prepared them to play an active role in their community.
Jubilee celebration - We celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in style and commemorated her being on the throne for 70 years. As a school, we had the biggest street party where we enjoyed listening to live music, eating a traditional foods and singing the National Anthem. It was certainly a very memorable occasion!
Honouring our beloved Queen Elizabeth II - We honoured the passing of our beloved Queen Elizabeth along with the rest of the nation. At Dersingham, we paid special tribute to her by signing a memory book where the Dersingham families wrote heartfelt messages. This memory book was then posted to the Royal family so that they could read our messages and know that we shared in their grief and loss. Further this, our Headteacher along visited Buckingham palace to pay his respects and laid a memorial wreath at the gates of the palace. Queen Elizabeth II will forever live on in our hearts.
The Science Dome - The Science Dome visit offered our pupils exceptional opportunities to enhance their science learning. Across the day, various themes were covered across the different year groups. Exploring the depths of the ocean, understanding light and sound, discovering the wonders of stars and the night sky, and delving into rocks, soils, and fossils were just some of the captivating topics explored.
The dome experience allowed our pupils to engage in hands-on activities, witness breathtaking visual displays, and participate in interactive discussions. This not only deepened their understanding of scientific concepts but also sparked curiosity and excitement for further exploration. The Science Dome visit was a highlight of our curriculum, creating lasting memories and cultivating a love for science among our pupils.
Remembrance Day - Every year, Dersingham and the Newham community come together to commemorate Remembrance Day. It is a special event where all the schools in the area participate. Pupils from different backgrounds and cultures unite to honour the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers.
During the event, children learn about the significance of Remembrance Day and its historical importance. They engage in activities such as listening to stories of heroes from the past. The sense of unity and respect is remarkable as the community stands together to remember those who fought for our freedom.
Remembrance Day in Dersingham and Newham is an important opportunity to teach our children about gratitude, bravery, and the value of peace. It allows them to connect with their local community, learning from each other's experiences and celebrating diversity.
