Education extends well beyond the covers of a textbook. That is why our school takes an active part in Latvia's largest cultural education programme, "Latvijas skolas soma" (the Latvian School Bag). Since 2023 the initiative has been formally established in the Education Law as a fully recognised learning resource, one that naturally dissolves the boundary between theory in the classroom and a living experience of the arts.

The programme gives every one of our students a unique opportunity to experience professional culture regularly and free of charge, as an integral part of school life.

The programme's foundations and accessibility

Equal opportunities for all. The programme is fully state-funded, with budget allocated according to the number of students. It covers admission tickets, transport costs and access to digital events. It matters to us that every student, whatever their family's financial situation or where they live, feels they belong to Latvia's cultural life.

A guaranteed cultural experience. State support ensures that every student takes part in at least one high-quality artistic or educational event each semester.

What can young people experience?

The content of the programme is carefully considered and wide-ranging, covering ten different fields. Students have the chance to encounter the broadest possible creative spectrum:

- Music and theatre — from enduring classics to bold contemporary experiments;

- Film and visual art — the gems of Latvian cinema and inspiring exhibitions;

- Design and architecture — understanding space and form;

- Literature, dance and contemporary circus — a synthesis of movement, word and human capability;

Cultural heritage — the living presence of historic places and traditions.

More than entertainment: meaningful learning

These events are not simply outings. They are integrated into the learning process and serve as a bridge towards the goals of the national education standard. Each event is carefully planned in three stages:

1. Preparation. Before the event, the context and the theme ahead are discussed in class.

2. The experience. Students encounter professional art created specifically for their age group.

3. Reflection. Afterwards, what they saw is analysed through discussion and creative work.

This helps students better understand historical periods, social processes and the language of art, making learning more personal. The approach does not duplicate the curriculum or seek to grade students. Instead it develops critical thinking, empathy and emotional wellbeing naturally.

Why this matters to us personally?

Culture is a resource that awakens emotion and broadens horizons. We see how, after these events, new ideas emerge in our students, along with the courage to express an opinion and the inspiration to create something of their own.

To be included in the programme, an event must meet high standards. It has to be professional and to create a safe, inclusive environment — one with no room for dogmatism, but plenty of room for intellectual conversation. We firmly believe that by filling every student's school bag with these values, we help them grow into well-rounded, knowledgeable and perceptive individuals.