At St Mary’s, we believe that cultural capital is about providing children with experiences that extend beyond their everyday lives, opening doors to new opportunities, aspirations, and an enriched understanding of the world. It is the knowledge and exposure that help shape well-rounded individuals, ensuring every child can engage confidently with a wide range of cultural, social, and professional environments.
Cultural capital at St Mary’s is developed through unique opportunities that broaden horizons and deepen children’s appreciation of the world around them. These include experiences such as singing at Young Voices at Wembley Stadium, attending a West End theatre production, participating in the Mini Policing project, and visiting the Safety Centre. These carefully chosen activities foster curiosity and aspiration.
By embedding cultural capital throughout school life, we ensure that every child, regardless of background, leaves St Mary’s equipped with the experiences, confidence, and knowledge to flourish in an ever-changing world.
By the time children leave St Mary’s, they will have embarked on a journey filled with unforgettable experiences…
Express Themselves and Be Heard
✔ Share their ideas and opinions on school matters and know their voice truly matters
✔ Find their voice through discussions, debates, and presenting to an audience
✔ Step up as a leader to help shape the school’s future
✔ Experience democracy in action by voting in school elections or joining pupil-led decision-making groups
Celebrate Achievements and Showcase Talents
✔ Have their academic, sporting, or creative talents celebrated—in school or beyond
✔ Stand proudly in front of an audience, whether in a sharing assembly, sports event, concert, or art exhibition
✔ Step into the spotlight by acting, speaking, or supporting behind the scenes in a play or reading
✔ Discover the joy of making music by learning to play an instrument
Experience Culture, Creativity, and Performance
✔ Visit an art gallery and be inspired by artistic masterpieces
✔ Enjoy the magic of live theatre and experience storytelling come to life
✔ Be part of a concert or performance on a grand scale, feeling the thrill of something bigger
✔ Take part in an artistic or sporting event in a theatre, stadium, or arena
Explore the World Beyond the Classroom
✔ Embark on an exciting educational visit, including an overnight stay
✔ Discover the richness of their local area through immersive learning experiences
✔ Bring learning to life through hands-on science, technology, and outdoor exploration
✔ Explore and appreciate different cultures and faiths, gaining a deeper understanding of the world
✔ Collaborate with children from other schools on a special project, event, or experience
Learn, Lead, and Make a Difference
✔ Help others and make a difference through voluntary activities, fundraising events and the Mini Police programme
✔ Learn how to protect the world for future generations through eco-projects and sustainability initiatives
✔ Take on a personal challenge, building confidence and resilience
✔ Take part in a team challenge, developing problem-solving and teamwork skills
✔ Try something completely new—whether a sport, language, or creative skill
Develop Skills for Life
✔ Learn basic first aid and gain the confidence to help others in an emergency
✔ Plant, grow, and care for something, in our 'Secret Garden', tree-planting project, taking care of Cindy, or eco-initiative
✔ Meet and be inspired by a real-life role model—an author, athlete, scientist, or community hero
✔ Experience the wonder of nature, exploring woodlands, rivers, or the seaside
Be Part of a Lifelong St Mary’s Community
✔ Welcome back former St Mary’s pupils and be inspired by their journeys—whether they’ve just started Year 7 or returned as adults to share their life experiences
✔ Celebrate being part of a school family where values of friendship, compassion, perseverance, and trust shape every child’s journey