1. Definition

We define ‘culture’ as being related to the arts and heritage, embracing artefacts and works of art, literature and the performing arts. We are talking about: culture, in all its richness and diversity, experienced as:

• listening
• playing
• seeing and watching
• interacting, performing and composing
• making, writing and doing

In order to help children understand what culture encompasses, we have decided to use the following acronym:  MAMMA MIA!

Music
Architecture
Media
Multi culture
Arena

Museums
International
Arts and Crafts

This unique programme helps the children experience cultural aspects of the world around us.

2. Philosophy

At Evelyn Community Primary school we believe that cultural learning is a basic entitlement and skill which plays a fundamental role in the overall attainment of everyone. A knowledge of culture is an important aspect of the schools ARCS curriculum. As part of our Student Exit Profile consisting of 6 elements, cultural development is one aspect and all children are supported in achieving the objectives, within this. Across our school we promote a deep awareness of culture as being essential, vital, life-enhancing and life-changing.

Evelyn Community Primary School has a long tradition of promoting quality cultural provision for each and every one of its pupils which enriches our families and our community, complementing experiences outside school. Art, dance, drama and music have a particular emphasis, but the school is constantly looking for further cultural developments both within the curriculum and as part of our extended school provision. We work closely with community-based, and national providers. Various areas of the school are used to facilitate cultural development, including the multi media studio, research hub, music room, centralised cultural zone and enhanced provision areas outside every classroom.

We recognise that:

• cultural learning takes place within and beyond our own school and other learning institutions, and within all kinds of cultural and heritage organisations
• cultural learning has the power to inspire greater social responsibility, leading to personal, social and community benefit
• cultural learning is able to engage individuals and communities in a variety of ways and can transform lives.

3. The value of cultural education

An understanding of culture is important because:

• Children should become capable of producing their own creative work and be culturally literate, confident and knowledgeable, not only about their own culture but that of other nationalities. As well as being invaluable and enjoyable in its own right, participation in cultural activities, also gives young people the chance to develop important life skills such as creativity, confidence, self discipline, effective communication and the ability to work in teams.
• It widens horizons and can add another dimension to life
• It provides enjoyment and stimulates the mind
• It enables us to recognise, discuss and criticise music, art, architecture etc., and give reasons for our likes and dislikes. This extends vocabulary and communication skills
• It makes us ready for an increasingly global world
• It fosters an understanding of other cultures and helps us understand that there is more than one approach to life
• It develops new ways of thinking and approaching problems

This unique programme helps the children explore cultural aspects of the world around us.

4. Experiences provided

During their time with us, children at Evelyn will have the following experiences:

• An annual cultural trip for every child
• Varied creative professionals to stimulate and extend awareness
• Annual visit from an orchestra
• Theatre projects including discussion of opera, ballet and drama
• Participation in a quality musical (instrumental and/or choral) performance such as our family assemblies, school plays and concerts, schools working together concerts (linked to the Performing Arts service) or link events.
• Through the Performing Arts Service we also offer a wide range of instrumental tuition. (All, Y4 children learn to play an instrument, as well as groups from other classes)
• Being part of an audience for a professional musical/choral/drama performance – both in school and beyond
• Participation in a play (including Nativity, Shakespeare, Musical Theatre).
• Being part of a school-based dance project and performance, as well as watching a professional dancer or dance company perform.
• Visiting a variety of places of worship including local churches and Synagogue or Hindu Temple.
• Take part in competitive sporting events both within school (house matches) and inter-school (including celebrating the success of local and national sports people).
• Learning techniques in Visual Arts (including film and media) from professional artists (e.g. sculpture, animation, collage, water colour, photography, ceramics, stained glass etc).
• Contributing to a school-based art exhibition.
• Visiting a professional art exhibition.
• Working closely with school-based and local librarians, and also museum curators. Also visiting local libraries and museums
• Studying local history and geography, including meeting local people of note both socially and through class work.
• Taking part in democratic processes within school, and visiting Council Chambers.
• Taking part in local festival celebrations
• Taking part in residential visits
• Taking part in a wide range of cultural and sporting/health promoting activities after school, as part of our expended schools provision.
• Visiting our own outstanding school library, also visiting the local public library to access various opportunities.
• Finding out about the work done by charitable institutions, and taking part in fund-raising events in relation to these.
• Extending horizons through an annual ‘New Skills Day’

5. Embedding Culture in to the school ethos

We carry out fortnightly MAMMA MIA assemblies on Friday afternoons, after the assembly, children further explore and enrich their understanding in class.

‘Mamma Mia moments’ offer opportunities for children to share cultural experiences with others.

Each year group benefit from a cultural trip, paid for through our school budget. These include trips to art galleries, museums, the theatre, restaurants etc. Therefore, every child benefits from a full cultural programme as they follow a planned pathway throughout the school.

In the interests of inclusion, the school actively seeks funding to make many cultural activities either free, or greatly subsidised.

In accordance with our ethos of RESPECT we aim to develop cultural awareness, to invoke curiosity, awe and wonder, to demonstrate enjoyment through observation and participation experiences, and to promote understanding and tolerance. Whereas exhibition and performance are important, there is also a heavy emphasis on the joy of cultural activity for experience’s sake.