Teach Primary Issue 18.2

www.teachwire.ne t | 23 A sk most adults to share a story about a childhood school trip, and you’ll likely hear a fond – and often amusing – memory that is inextricably linked to the cultural setting in which it was made. Unless action is taken, it seems likely that today’s children will be at risk of missing out on these vital experiences and the important benefits they bring. Alarming research from the Sutton Trust shows that school trips and outings have been halved since 2022, with already disadvantaged areas facing even deeper cuts, of up to 68 per cent. For many children, school trips may be their only opportunity to visit a theatre or museum; these cuts are depriving them of experiences that have been shown to raise aspirations and accelerate social mobility through building cultural capital. In addition, out-of-classroom learning provides an opportunity for children to connect with their local community. It can awaken their entitlement to use publicly funded cultural buildings. Exposure to culture, of all kinds, offers children a deeper understanding of the world and the people around them, which they will carry throughout their lives. This is of particular importance for the generations who have lived two of their formative years with heavy restriction on social interaction during the pandemic, the long-term impact of which we are only just beginning to see. The benefits of investing in school trips go beyond the individual. Research from the Cultural Learning Alliance indicates that children involved in cultural activities are more likely to become healthy and productive citizens and also more likely, amongst other things, to volunteer and vote. It can be extremely difficult for schools, with dwindling budgets and resources, to prioritise trips, but cultural visits are about so much more than fun and rewards (although they can provide this, too). Providing access to cultural spaces is a key driver in levelling class inequalities and inspiring young people to aim higher. Quite simply, by offering these essential developmental opportunities today, we can improve the potential of those who will inherit our society tomorrow. Young people need to be equipped with versatile skillsets to address the global challenges currently unfolding, and which they will inherit, such as climate change and the role of AI in society. They will need creative and imaginative solutions, grounded in compassion for fellow humans. While academic attainment will always be important, core skills such as communication, empathy, teamwork and critical thinking are in growing demand across the workforce, and will allow young people to be agile and resilient as global issues accelerate. Cultural education can hold the key to this – but only if all young people have access to varied and high-quality cultural experiences. At Curious Minds, we are starting to meet teachers who have never taken students out on a school trip: at one time that would have been unthinkable. Whilst there are many brilliant schools continuing to offer their students a rich cultural education, they are increasingly having to swim against the tide to do so. Changing the current trajectory of decline hinges on support from both educators and those with influence over education policy. Yes, we need teachers and leaders to prioritise school trips and cultural experiences within their school, but we must first look to policymakers, both locally and nationally, to support initiatives that enable them to do so. Policymakers need to prioritise culture within public education policy and expenditure, to secure the role of cultural trips and experiences in shaping and inspiring young people. I urge you, therefore, to look at the wider picture of education, and consider the long-term impacts on our community, economy and mental health of allowing the current decline to continue. I also hope you will remember your own experiences of culture in your schooldays, and recognise the links between them and who and where you are today. From, Kelly w .teachwire.net | 17 A letter to... Building cultural capital is a question of priorities, says Kelly Allen – and we’re in danger of getting it very wrong indeed... Each issueweaskacontributor to penanote theywould love to send Education policymakers Kelly Allen is deputy CEO at arts in education charity, Curious Minds. VO I C E S “Providing access to cultural spaces is a key driver in levelling class inequalities”