Cultural Capital Audit

Cultural capital refers to the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and cultural experiences that individuals acquire through their upbringing and it is important as it prepares learners beyond academia.

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Cultural capital is included in the Ofsted framework and refers to the requirement for educational settings to provide learners with the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life. It is important because it promotes social mobility, contributes to academic achievement, facilitates socialisation and integration, and enables the transfer of educational advantages between generations. This had many leaders asking questions and deciphering what steps they should take next but too many schools still deliver more of the same cultural capital related knowledge and experiences which do not address their school's particular cohort needs. This is due in part to the lack of emphasis drawn on baselining learners' cultural capital. If we do not know what learners' starting points are then how can we know what they need? Assessing cultural capital is challenging as it involves understanding the diverse backgrounds and experiences of learners.

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• Equity and Inclusion: Recognising and valuing students' diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences promotes equity and inclusion in education. It acknowledges that each student brings unique knowledge and perspectives to the classroom, creating a more inclusive and responsive learning environment.

• Academic Achievement: Cultural capital can positively influence academic achievement. When students' cultural backgrounds are acknowledged and integrated into the curriculum, it enhances their motivation and engagement, leading to improved learning outcomes.

• Cultural Understanding and Empathy: By incorporating cultural capital in schools, students gain a better understanding of different cultures, traditions, and perspectives. This cultivates empathy, respect, and appreciation for diversity, fostering a more inclusive and harmonious society.

• Student Engagement: When students see their own culture and experiences reflected in the curriculum, they feel a greater sense of relevance and connection to their education. This increased engagement can lead to higher levels of student participation, active learning, and personal investment in their academic journey.

• Social Mobility: Cultural capital plays a role in social mobility by equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences that are valued in society. By expanding students' cultural capital, schools can help bridge the gap between different socio-economic backgrounds and increase opportunities for upward mobility.

• Critical Thinking and Creativity: Exposure to diverse cultural perspectives fosters critical thinking skills and promotes creativity. Students learn to challenge assumptions, analyse different viewpoints, and think critically about the world around them, leading to enhanced problem-solving abilities and creative thinking.

• Global Citizenship: In today's interconnected world, understanding and appreciating different cultures is crucial for global citizenship. Cultural capital in schools prepares students to navigate diverse social and professional environments, fostering cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills.

• Overall, cultural capital in schools promotes educational equity, cultural understanding, and academic success. It empowers students to embrace their own cultural identities while fostering a sense of empathy and respect for others. By valuing and incorporating cultural capital, schools can create inclusive learning environments that prepare students for a diverse and interconnected world.

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Our audit takes into consideration a range of evidence which includes but is not limited to:

• Surveys and questionnaires which we will conduct remotely and on-site.

• Interviews and conversations with learners and their families.

• Reviewing the diary and social media containing information on community and cultural events to see what is and is not being delivered to meet cohort needs.

• Reviewing the curriculum

• Reviewing self-evaluations and action plans

• Reviewing equal opportunities information 

• Reviewing the local socio-economic geography of the school

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By assessing and incorporating cultural capital into the curriculum, schools can make sure that they are delivering a varied, challenging and innovative curriculum which equips learners with skills beyond their school life.