At William Penn, we are determined to equip the pupils with the knowledge and cultural capital that they need to succeed in life. We are equally determined that the opportunity for this to happen is available to every child.
We take our definition of cultural capital is taken from the National Curriculum and states, 'It is the essential knowledge that pupils need to be educated citizens by introducing them to the best that has been thought and said and helping to engender an appreciation of human creativity and achievement'.
Below are just the some of the ways that we seek to achieve this goal:
- We use our amazing Forest School grounds every week, providing children with rich, hands-on outdoor experiences that expand their knowledge, vocabulary, and confidence well beyond the classroom.
- Whole class trips are organised to support and give a context to the learning of the topics and subjects that we teach. We have recently visited the Imperial War Museum and the Lewes Railway Land Wildlife Trust and the whole school went to the Capitol Theatre in Horsham to watch a pantomime. Trips to Lewes Castle and the nearby Knepp Estate are booked for this year.
- Transport costs can be a barrier, so we often bring the enrichment to the school. Last year we had had a Viking Workshop, visits from local wildlife experts and emergency services workers. The author and musician, Gareth P Jones visited us, and we held several whole school art and music days, such as our African Drumming Workshop. We have also had local councillors visit the school to explain what they do to help everyone and to underpin our teaching of British Values.
- We take the opportunities for enrichment activities whenever we can. Many of our children have visited Christ's Hospital for performing arts and sports days. We were fortunate enough ti take some of our Year 5 children watch the Sometimes children with a particular talent are selected so they can be further inspired, however we always have our disadvantaged pupils at the forefront of our thinking for these events.
- Many of our parents and local stakeholders come to the school. One of our farming families brought a tractor to school and spoke to the children about what life is like as a local cattle farmer. Later in the year Cadbury Class then visited the farm so they could see this in action. In contrast, another of our parents is a pilot and he came in to talk about his career.
- One of the highlights of the school year is our Christmas Nativity Service in the chapel at Christ's Hospital. It's a magical and inspirational venue and creates forever memories for so many of the children.
These are just a few examples of the many opportunities that are created each year.