21/09/2026
A group of Year 8 students were among the first school pupils to experience Sunderland’s brand-new Culture House, taking part in its inaugural Schools Festival as part of our Achieve curriculum.
Based in Keel Square, Culture House is an exciting new addition to Sunderland, and our students enjoyed a packed programme of creative activities including film, dance, sublimation printing and a Little Inventors workshop. They also had the chance to explore the new building and its gallery spaces while working alongside artists and creative practitioners.
The visit linked closely with our Achieve curriculum, which encourages students to become confident, self-regulated learners through four key strands: Mastery, Exploration, Application and Communication. Experiences such as this allow students to develop and apply these skills beyond the classroom.
It was particularly exciting to see the students experience the venue so soon after its opening and discover more about the growing creative opportunities available in Sunderland.
Our Year 8 students were a credit to Southmoor Academy, approaching every activity with enthusiasm, curiosity and maturity.
A huge thank you to the Culture House team and all the artists and practitioners who gave our students such a warm welcome. We look forward to seeing how they build on the experience through their Achieve work back at school.
Encourage your child to join Sunderland Libraries for free, giving them access to books, eBooks, audiobooks and a wide range of resources. Culture House also provides welcoming spaces where young people can read, complete homework, study and learn independently. Sign up for the library here.
