Dear Parent/Carer,
Cultural Capital Day (Year 7) – Wednesday 17th December 2025
At the end of module 2, the Academy will partake 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 Academy calendar. These days give students enriching 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 this academic year will be held on Wednesday 17th December. Students in Year 7 will be offered a free museum trip.
Cultural Capital days for Year 7 students will include visits to a selection of museums on a carousel basis linked to their MYP learning. Students will continue this carousel during Cultural Capital Week in July. These visits are planned to develop key Approaches to Learning the following skills: Communication, Socialisation, Self-management, Thinking, and Research.
Students will travel on public transport and there is no cost involved to students, as the Academy receives exemptions from Transport for London. All trips will commence at the Academy. All students should arrive at 8.25am and will return to the Academy at the end of the trip so that they can be registered before being dismissed. If a trip returns before the end of the Academy day, students will be dismissed upon arrival. All students should attend in their normal academy uniform and are advised to wear appropriate winter travel clothing, suitable for colder December temperatures. They will also need to bring a packed lunch and students 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. .
Cultural Capital Day trips assigned to Year 7 students are detailed below:
National Portrait Gallery – All of Year 7 Turing students
The National Portrait Gallery is not only home to the world’s greatest collection of portraits and images, it also tells 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, linked to their study of culture and identity. We anticipate returning to Leigh Academy Halley at approximately 2pm, depending on the frequency of the trains, where students will then be dismissed.
Science Museum, 7F2 students
The award-winning Science Museum in Central London showcases how science and technology changed our lives. Our visit will allow students to explore how scientific innovation shapes the world we live in today. This links directly to your child’s work in their science lessons, where they have explored particles and elements. We anticipate returning to Leigh Academy Halley at approximately 2pm depending on the frequency of the trains, where students will then be dismissed.
Tower of London, 7F1 students. Linking to their History curriculum, students will visit the Tower of London to explore the history of the monarchy and the legacy of the building that has witnessed some of Britain’s most dramatic moments in history, starting with our Medieval history. We anticipate returning to Leigh Academy Halley at approximately 2pm, depending on the frequency of the trains, where students will then be dismissed.
The Young V&A, 7E1. Linking to IT, Technology and Visual Arts, students will visit the Young V&A to explore how childhood has been influenced and shaped by British and international cultures. We anticipate returning to Leigh Academy Halley at approximately 2pm, depending on the frequency of the trains, where students will then be dismissed.
The V&A Museum, 7E2. Linking to their Visual and Performing Arts curriculum, students will visit exhibitions to explore watercolours and explore cultural patterns in fabrics, art and design ahead of their look at culture in modules 3 to 6. We anticipate returning to Leigh Academy Halley at approximately 2pm depending on the frequency of the trains, where students will then be dismissed.
If you have any questions about our Cultural Capital Days, please get in touch with a member of your child’s Small School team.
Yours faithfully,
Mrs H. Panton | Deputy Head of Turing School