Cultural capital: how to weave it into your curriculum

Find out how to make sure your cultural capital offering reflects your school values and community. See examples of how primary, secondary and special schools are weaving cultural capital into their curriculum and get tips on organising activities.

Last reviewed on 6 March 2023
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 44621
Contents
  1. Decide what cultural capital means for your school
  2. Audit your curriculum 
  3. School examples
  4. Tips for organising activities

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Decide what cultural capital means for your school

Ofsted defines cultural capital as: 

... 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.

Ofsted told us that it's up to you to decide what is 'essential knowledge' for your pupils. Read more about how Ofsted will evaluate cultural capital

You and your school community need to have a shared understanding of what cultural capital means. This will help you evaluate your approach and plan further opportunities to enhance cultural capital.

Cultural capital isn’t just trips to the ballet, or an understanding of Shakespeare.Consider how you're preparing your pupils to live and thrive in culturally and