Cultural Capital
Cultural Capital at Nicol Mere
We understand that cultural capital is a key factor in helping children grow into confident, capable individuals ready for the wider world. It’s not about wealth—it’s about experiences, values, and knowledge that help shape a child’s future, boost their aspirations, and open doors to opportunities.
We are passionate about providing our pupils with a wealth of enriching experiences that help them grow socially, emotionally, spiritually, and academically—giving them the tools to climb the ladder of opportunity and success.
Cultural capital refers to the accumulated knowledge, skills, values and behaviours that children draw upon to succeed in life. It promotes:
Social mobility
Confidence and competence
Aspirations beyond their starting point
By nurturing cultural capital, we empower our children with the “desire to aspire”—regardless of background.
Our Approach
We believe that rich, varied and sustained opportunities are essential to developing cultural capital. This is embedded across the curriculum and wider school life. We focus on six key areas of development, each working together to build the whole child.
High-quality PSHE provision
A strong pastoral support framework
Confidence-building through drama, role play and leadership roles
Mental health and well-being sessions
Nurture group and mentor programmes
Smooth transition support at key stages
Volunteering and charitable initiatives (e.g. fundraising for mental health charities)
Pupil leadership roles: School Council, Peer Mentors, Reading Ambassadors, Sports Council
Choir performances at community events
Rights Respecting School ethos
Regular pastoral support and nurture-based activities
PSHE curriculum supporting empathy, kindness and teamwork
Comprehensive Physical Education curriculum
Promotion of healthy eating through our policies and catering choices
Focus on anti-bullying and safeguarding
Health Education covered in our “Keeping Ourselves Safe” curriculum
A wide range of sports and well-being clubs
Daily assemblies with moments of reflection
Opportunities for mindfulness and emotional regulation
Awe and wonder moments during lessons and visits
RE curriculum and enrichment visits to places of worship
Emphasis on British Values and school values
Celebration assemblies and class rewards for positive behaviour
Lessons on e-safety, anti-bullying, and making good choices
Charity events and workshops with the NSPCC and emergency services
Educational visits to museums, theatres, and orchestras
Cultural celebrations: Chinese New Year, Diwali, St George’s Day and more
French lessons and global awareness activities
Rich curriculum coverage in History, Geography, Music, Art and RE
