‘Cultural Capital’ is a new phrase being used by Ofsted to try and ensure pupils in primary school have the awareness of the knowledge and the world around them to be successful citizens. 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.’” This put into practice is when children receive a creative, topical based education – learning with a purpose and a meaning! Dropping in and out of classes this week, the staff have really delivered in creating considerate citizens of the future, with topical based learning!
On Remembrance Day all children and staff went onto the playground, to link up with Paul Robinson and Colonel Stam, to remember those who have fallen in war. Children created a ‘remembrance pebble’ to lay in our beautiful remembrance garden after the moment of silence. For such young children they conducted themselves incredibly well, showing what thoughtful and considerate young people they are; we then all took a moment of peace and reflection in the garden. Ella created her own wreath at home, without being asked, to lay in the garden – a beautiful moment.
From thoughtfulness now to cultural awareness. This week was a important to week to anyone of the Hindu faith, as it was the festival of Diwali. It is incredibly important to learn about and be knowledgeable of other cultures showing respect and diligence, as Benjamin Franklin said, ” An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Children have tackled the festival of Diwali from a topical approach, incorporating, geography, history, English, art and D&T. They have learnt what the culture is, where it has come from, how it is celebrated and why it is important to people of Hindu faith. Again the children responded with such respect and enthusiasm, applying themselves as astute young citizens, across both classes, as the classes linked up to work together. They have had such fun working in a topical way this week. We have incredible young students in our wonderful school, as parents/carers you should be very proud of their balanced outlook and capabilities – as we invest in their knowledge so they can be the best that they can be now and in the future!
Stars of the Week: Well done everyone for working incredible hard this week. We also welcome Oscar to Class 2, who has a star award in his first week – well done Oscar!
CLASS 1
George – Wonderful work with his phonics.
Grace – For always doing her best in all she does.
CLASS 2
Emily – Using mathematical strategies to convert measurements!
Oscar – Settling into life at St. Mary’s!
Have a lovely weekend everyone,
Mr Gilmour