Alongside working in partnership with the University of Leeds on the Mapping Creative Arts Education: Access, Inclusion, and Progression in Leeds research project, we have created a toolkit for teachers, focusing on our Culture on the Doorstep research project.
Culture on the Doorstep was all about fostering cultural engagement among students in their very own communities, finding inspiration within their 15-minute neighbourhoods.
The toolkit comes from an incredible collaboration between Leeds33, Greenmount Primary School, Seacroft Grange Primary School, their passionate teachers and students, cultural practitioners, and academics at the University of Leeds.
We’re excited to share the valuable lessons learned to help other schools engage in this type of initiative. The toolkit features a range of activities designed to deepen your students’ cultural knowledge and skills, all rooted in the richness of their local community.
This project delves into the power of place-based cultural learning, highlighting its incredible importance and the lasting impact it can have on both schools and students. By rooting education in local environments and traditions, it fosters a well-rounded understanding of the world while helping shape individual and collective identities.
Imagine having everything you need for learning just a short walk away – no transport needed – right within a 15-minute neighbourhood!
Using local places as a springboard for learning not only reinforces the idea that education doesn’t stop at the classroom door, but it also sparks experiential learning, strengthens interdisciplinary connections, and empowers both learners and their communities. It’s a game-changer for the well-being of everyone involved!
By bringing local environments into the classroom, children can share their unique knowledge, making learning both meaningful and hands-on. They’ll get to explore their neighbourhoods as living classrooms, bridging the gap between education and real-world experiences. With the focus on the 15-minute neighbourhood, this approach nurtures community engagement, sustainability, and a deep sense of belonging, creating an educational experience that’s both holistic and deeply rooted in the local area. Plus, it’s an incredibly cost-effective method – requiring little more than time.
The toolkit gives practical steps on how to incorporate this method into your school, about building partnerships, developing shared goals and considering the curriculum. It outlines a key walking activity where students are given the status of ‘experts’ and ‘tour guides’ of their local areas and tasked with giving a tour of ‘sites of culture’.
To access the Culture on the Doorstep: A Toolkit for Teachers, click here.
Did you know that we have a range of resources available on our website for educators and cultural practitioners, as well as resources specific to the classroom? Explore our website to find out more.
