“ Learning On My Doorstep”
Building local
cultural connections
in Surrey
Why “Learning On My Doorstep”?
Surrey is one of the most culturally vibrant counties, having attracted all walks of life with its
beautifully varied landscape, geographical position in relation to the coast and proximity to
London. The county has been home to world-famous royals, artists, writers, musicians, politicians,
historians and pioneers, as well as world-class trades, crafts, industries and sport. Each has left its
stamp on the County’s heritage with people, places and events of local, national and international
significance. These are reflected in the unique collections and buildings of Surrey’s 43 museums
and galleries, and in the County archive of photographs, film, postcards, diaries and more. In
addition, Surrey has an extensive current network of arts practitioners and cultural organisations.
“Learning On My Doorstep” aims to create an opportunity for schools to discover and connect
with these valuable local cultural connections right there, ‘on their doorstep’.
Brief overview
“Learning On My Doorstep” is a programme being led by Surrey Heritage and Surrey Museums.
There are 20 Surrey museum and gallery partners, Surrey Heritage, and a range of cultural
organisations including arts pracititioners, theatre companies, Surrey music hub, radio stations,
TV, dancers and storytellers. “Learning On My Doorstep” can provide and fund a range of
opportunities for schools to develop strong links with museums, galleries, heritage and arts
organisations locally and across Surrey at a critical time of change to the national curriculum. Its
aim is to support and enrich across the whole school curriculum, maximise the unique cultural
resources in Surrey, and build children and young people’s sense of cultural identity using local
artefacts, archive, archaeology and ‘the arts’ broadly.
Benefits of “Learning On My Doorstep” for your school
 Relevant local resources – Surrey Heritage and Surrey’s museums & galleries have relevant
local materials that can support your need for resources and unique learning experiences
with local, national and international significance to match the new curriculum
 Free cultural network event - Funding for a key member of staff to attend a 1 day
facilitated network event with museums, galleries, heritage and arts organisations in your
area, to discover the cultural opportunities available ‘on your doorstep’ with the potential
to enrich your curriculum and your children’s sense of local cultural identity
 Free staff meeting – Funding and facilitation of a whole staff INSET, staff meeting or
twilight session to explore opportunities for new resources, ideas and cultural learning
experiences appropriate to your own whole school curriculum, and your school’s capacity
 Free CPD for staff member(s) – Funded one-to-one curriculum development time with a
Surrey museum, gallery, heritage or cultural organisation expert for a member of your
staff, Year or Phase leader, or Subject/School Curriculum coordinator
 Promotion – We would love to promote your school’s involvement in this programme as a
model of best practice on the national, regional and local websites of Arts Council England,
Surrey Heritage ‘Exploring Surrey’s Past’, and that of other Cultural Partners’ websites, at
your discretion of course
Benefits of “Learning On My Doorstep” for your pupils
 Stimulating - Together, we will develop stimulating, enjoyable learning experiences with
primary source material that will empower your students to enquire, research, evidence,
discuss, debate, problem-solve, direct, participate and explore their creativity.
 Cross-curricular - Relevant and unique local material for history, science, design &
technology, english, art, maths, drama, citizenship supporting KS1-5, as well as critical
thinking skill development
 Extra-curricular - Opportunities to develop cross-curricular projects such as ‘Museum in a
Box’, be a Young Curator or a Young Archaeologist, enable Arts Award, work with an artist,
create a Culture Club, involve family and the wider school community. In addition, for older
students: develop research techniques, Arts Award Gold with 35 UCAS credits, find work
experience opportunities and placements, discover career potential ‘behind the scenes’ in
cultural roles and practice.
 Whole curriculum – Making a positive contribution to the spiritual, moral, social and
cultural development of pupils at your school through the content,and because working
with cultural resources has a proven positive impact on health and well-being.
 Cultural identity – an increased sense of local cultural identity and a richer understanding
of your area and Surrey’s local, national and international significance.
Commitment
 There is no fixed commitment. Your school is able to get involved with “Learning On My
Doorstep” at a level of engagement that suits your needs and is appropriate to your
school’s capacity, from a broad brush-stroke raising awareness of the cultural
opportunities available countywide, to facilitated whole staff meetings, or tailored
planning between specific individuals and local cultural organisations. We are keen to to
develop good, ongoing relationships and welcome involvement and open discussion with
staff at all levels of decision-making.
 This programme has funding from the national organisation Arts Council England and will
not require financial contribution from your school.
If you would like to discuss Learning On My Doorstep further, I would be delighted to talk on the
phone, or arrange a short visit so that you can find out more. Do feel free to call or email.
Best wishes,
Claire Marston
Museum Schools Partnership Officer
Learning On My Doorstep
T: 01483 518071
E: claire.marston@surreycc.gov.uk
This programme of work is funded by Arts Council England. It is coordinated by Surrey Heritage (Surrey
County Council Cultural Services) and Surrey Museums Consultative Committee (Surrey Museums
Development Service)