We are Courageous Advocates

Courageous Advocacy links to our Church school ethos of enabling pupils to make ethical choices and to be agents of change.  This includes:

• The act of speaking out against an issue of injustice, often on behalf of those whose voice is not heard. 

• Speaking out, at whatever level this takes place, requires an element of courage. 

• Becoming courageous advocates of change, therefore, must involve being informed about an issue and it must move beyond simply knowing, to saying and doing. 

• Courageous advocacy is a long-term legacy, an endowment to future generations; it is about releasing the possibility of the pupils in our school to serve the common good. 

In Reception and Year 1 

• Children have had talks for the RSPCA, Natonal lifeboats association about animal and water safety.
• Litter picking visit with the children thinking about how they as individuals can help make the village a healthier and cleaner environment.
• In Spring, the children learn about Loddington village, and consider the physical and human features. Children go on a walk and consider what can be done to protect physical features.
• Children plant and grow plants down in the wetlands area during the spring term and help grow and nurture these plants.
• Children make bird feeders down in the wetlands area to help the animals in their local area.

In Year 2

• • Discuss how taking small actions, like helping others or caring for the environment, demonstrates empathy and responsibility towards others.
  • Citizenship PSHE focus: explore ways that we can make our school environment better for all. Conduct democratic votes for elections and discuss importance of School Council and other roles of responsibility.
  • When exploring the world in Geography discuss plastic in oceans and other threats to the environment. Create posters (or small ppt presentations) to explain a cause and/or share important messages with other children and adults.
  • School Council representatives working to organise activities, sharing with the rest of Y2 through their Class Council. Similarly, Eco and Ethos committee members share their actions.
  • Safer Internet Day (26^th February) – Raising awareness for the need to be safe on the internet. Gathering children’s ideas and opinions, with the Digital Leaders supporting activities linked to the event.
  • Explore personal passions of the children, considering how these can be encouraged to flourish, and children be supported in speaking out about what is important to them.
  • Taking part in school-wide action for change, e.g., supporting the Harvest Festival donations. Ensure that children understand the wider impact of taking part in these activities.
  • Use the ‘Little People, Big Dreams’ series of books as examples of courageous advocates in different fields.

In Year 3 and 4

• • Through Art, Science and Music, explore the impact of achievements in these fields by studying the work of significant people. Use the “Standing on the shoulders of Giants” book and resources to support this.
  • Environmental work linked to Eco Schools – creating posters to remind people in our school community about the importance of saving water and energy. Raise awareness in our local community by organising litter picks and helping to create areas where wildlife can thrive and be safe – bug hotels and bird feeders.
  • Recognising and celebrating children’s personal achievements – celebration worship, achievements boards, celebrating successes with one another
  • During work in Geography, looking at ways to keep our rivers and waterways pollution free. Work with the Canals and Rivers Trust to become involved supporting local campaigns.
  • PSHE work on Citizenship and democracy. School Council/Ethos/Digital Leaders/Eco elections – discussions around how to be fair for all.
  • Explore possibilities of educational visits to UK Parliament, or outreach service coming to school to develop understanding of democracy and how we can get our voices heard.

In Year 5 and 6

• Work with children to design a fundraiser relating to Dr Barnardo’s when we have finished reading Street Child.
• Work with Year 5&6 and discuss ways we could help/raise money to support what is happening in Israel/the Gaza Strip/Palestine.
• Moving into Spring 1 – look at deforestation – would could be done? A whole school campaign? Relating to palm oil or endangered species of animals?