What is Cultural Capital?

Ofsted defines cultural capital as “the essential knowledge that children 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.”

Every child and family who joins Barrow URC Primary School brings with them their own knowledge, experiences and interests, which are shaped by their culture and wider family. These may include languages, beliefs, traditions, family heritage, hobbies, interests, travel and experiences of the world around them. We recognise and celebrate the unique contributions that every child and family brings to our school community.

Cultural capital is the knowledge, skills and experiences that children accumulate over time. It helps them to develop an understanding of the world, appreciate different cultures and perspectives, communicate confidently and make informed choices. It provides children with the foundations they need to succeed in education, in their future careers and as responsible citizens.

At Barrow URC Primary School, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to experience the wider world, develop new interests and discover possibilities beyond their immediate experiences. We are committed to ensuring that all children, regardless of their background or circumstances, have access to a rich and varied range of opportunities.

We provide a creative, ambitious and engaging curriculum that builds upon what children already know and understand, whilst introducing them to new experiences, ideas and perspectives. We place great importance on developing children's vocabulary, knowledge, oracy and confidence so that they can articulate their thoughts, express their opinions and engage meaningfully with the world around them.

As a small village school, we are proud of our strong links with the local community and recognise the importance of helping children understand and appreciate the area in which they live, whilst also broadening their horizons beyond Barrow and the Ribble Valley.

We carefully plan opportunities throughout children's time at Barrow to progressively widen their experiences. These include educational visits, residential trips, visits from visitors and experts, sporting competitions, musical performances, creative workshops, cultural celebrations and opportunities to engage with the local community. We also provide opportunities for children to experience the outdoors, visit places of historical and cultural significance, explore different faiths and beliefs and develop an appreciation of the arts, literature, music and sport.

Our links with the Bethany Project in Tanzania also provide valuable opportunities for children to develop a greater understanding of life beyond their own community, appreciate different cultures and recognise the importance of compassion, respect and global citizenship.

Through these experiences, we aim to develop curious, knowledgeable and confident children who are able to draw upon their experiences, embrace new opportunities and make a positive contribution to society.

At Barrow URC Primary School, we want every child to leave us with more than just academic knowledge. We want them to leave with a wealth of experiences, memories, interests, skills and aspirations that will help them flourish in the future.

Please see below for examples of how we develop cultural capital and enrich children's experiences throughout their time at Barrow URC Primary School.