At St Marks Primary School, our aim is for our children to join us on a learning journey that will equip them for their future. We want our children to leave us at Year 6 with a range of skills, deep knowledge, a love of learning, and ambition.

Cultural capital is the essential knowledge that children need to prepare them for future success. It is about giving children the best possible start in their early education.

The term ‘cultural capital’ is not new. It comes from sociology, the study of society, including relationships, social interactions, and culture. Everyone has cultural capital—knowledge, skills, and behaviours—that grow over time through different experiences and opportunities. Cultural capital contributes to success in life, such as performing well in school, understanding how to communicate in different social settings, accessing higher education, and thriving in a career.

Cultural capital is not something that is simply ‘given’ or ‘taught.’ It includes culture, language, traditions, and experiences. At St Marks, we celebrate the uniqueness of every child and encourage sharing differences and individuality. It extends beyond the curriculum.

We have created a Cultural Capital Overview, which can be downloaded, that highlights key experiences and opportunities that enrich children’s knowledge and understanding, helping to prepare them for the future. Some aspects are covered in our curriculum, while others are explored through assemblies, daily interactions, and school life. Many experiences can also be enjoyed at home through conversations, visits, and trips.

Please see our Cultural Capital Overview, which you can download and use to track your child’s experiences.