Dear Parents/Carers,
Cultural Capital Day, Wednesday 13th December 2023
At the end of Module 2, the Academy will take part in the first of three Cultural Capital events. Our Cultural Capital days and week (at the end of the academic year), are a true highlight of our school calendar. These days offer students experiences and the chance to participate in exciting activities outside of their usual classroom learning experience, in line with National Curriculum guidance.
The first Cultural Capital Day of this academic year will be on Wednesday 13th December. Students in Year 7 will have the offer of a free museum trip or the choice of a theatre visit to watch the comedy play, Noises Off, at the cost of £10.
Noises Off is a classic play by English playwright Michael Frayn. It gives students a comical look at the process of preparing for a performance and aligns excellently with their Performing Arts MYP curriculum. In each of the three acts, audiences see the company at a different part of the show: the final rehearsals, backstage during the opening night. Tickets to see Noises Off will be offered on a first come, first served basis. As the performance is a matinée, students will not have to attend school until 12.30pm, the start of their usual lunchtime. Students will return to the Academy later than usual, at approximately 6pm.
All trips will see students travel on public transport. There is no cost involved in the travel of students, as the Academy receives exemptions from Transport for London. All trips will commence at the Academy, and students will return to the Academy at the end of the trip before being dismissed. If a trip returns before the school day, students will be dismissed upon arrival. Where a trip is expected back later than the school day, you will be informed. All students should attend school in their normal school uniform. Students are advised to bring appropriate winter travel clothing, suitable for December temperatures. They will also need to bring their own packed lunch. Students who are eligible for a Free School Meal will be provided with a packed lunch. Spending money for souvenirs is to be kept to a reasonable amount.
Each Cultural Capital day and week, Year 7 students will attend museums on a carousel, meaning that all students will visit in total three of London’s world renowned museums across the year. Further to this, these visits will take place in Small School groups to reinforce our mission to ensure that every child is seen for their individual attributes, and that students learn most effectively when in a diverse group of their peers.
For this cultural capital day, the trip assigned to Year 7 students will be as follows:
Museum of London, Docklands – Turing & Franklin
Students will visit several galleries here, linked with their English, History and Geography curriculums. From the Great Fire of London, to the role the river and docks have played in immigration and business, students will investigate several lines of enquiry related to life in London.
Tower of London – Turing & Franklin
As the most secure castle in the land, the Tower guarded royal possessions and even the royal family in times of war and rebellion. Students will learn about the role of this imposing British monument, right in the heart of London, and how it sits at the heart of British traditions and history.
National Portrait Gallery – Easley
The National Gallery is not only home to the world’s greatest collection of portraits and images, they also tell the story of Britain through portraits, using art to bring history to life and explore living today. Students will follow a selection of art history and drawing tasks as they navigate the painting and photography exhibitions.
If you have any questions about our Cultural Capital Days, please do get in touch with a member of your child’s Small School team.
Yours faithfully,
Mrs H. Panton | Deputy Head of Turing School