What is a courageous advocate?

A courageous advocate is someone who champions a cause which is special and meaningful to them.

At Rowsley Church of England Primary School we have a strong emphasis on encouraging our pupils to become courageous advocates, not just locally, but nationally and globally.

At some point in life we will all face challenges and need support to help us overcome these barriers. We teach our children that it is important to help others when we can no matter who they are, where they come from or what challenges they may face. We teach this through the teachings of the bible and learning about other courageous advocates. To emphasise the importance of being a courageous advocate our three classes are named after three modern day courageous advocates: The Obamas, Simone Biles and Greta Thunberg. Our Christian values and carefully planned opportunities in our curriculum ensure that the children regularly discuss and debate the big issues, to challenge injustice and to engage in activities that can bring about change are always present.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Proverbs 31:8-9 

It is important for our children to appreciate their role as part of a community; to take responsibility, to be able to look after themselves & to foster an understanding of their importance, impact and influence in the world. As part of this we are working towards our Global Neighbours acreditation.

We support a range of charities in our local area, nationally and globally. The school council work with staff, governors, parents, pupils and St. Katherine's Church to identify worthy causes to support.

In recent years we have carried out a range of different fund raising to support many good causes, some of which include:

• a local food bank (Jigsaw);
• Sports Relief;
• Comic Relief;
• Children in Need;
• Macmillan;
• The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Our children have an excellent grasp on the meaning of belonging to a local and global community and the sense of responsibility that comes with belonging. Thereby developing their ability to empathise and make a small sacrifice to benefit others. Together we consider the beauty and fragility of our environment, the actions we take, and the impact these actions may have on the well-being of everyone. Our school community and curriculum actively embraces a responsibility for the world in which we live. We are diligent to show our connection with, and care for, the world in which we all live and care for the people who live in it:

• Links with the local care home (reading; Christmas carols; learning about life in the past…)
• Charities of significance to our children;
• Student Council who seek the views of pupils as to which causes we want to support;
• Developing links with schools locally, nationally and internationally (to learn about the similarities, differences & how we can help support/develop each other through these).

• Strong PTA with community events such as Christmas and Summer Fayres, discos and film nights;
• School advertises and supports local events;
• Strong links with local pre-schools;
• School submits articles to the local Parish newsletter and local newspapers to reach out to the community.

Examples of courageous advocacy by members of our school can be found on a display in school and below:

• Naomi and Billy (Year 6) organised their own litter-pick one evening after school in order to help their local community;
• Some year 6s stayed silent for a whole day (yes, a whole day!) in order to raise funds for a children's cancer charity.
• Some year 5s organised a raffle so they could buy the EYFS some new equipment.
• Mrs Wyer has travelled to India to work for a charity which helps to train teachers who work in some of the worlds most disadvantaged schools. hey also help to raise funds which go towards providing the children of these schools with food, uniforms, educational resources. For more information see http://mrswyer.simplesite.com.

Freddie swam 75 lengths of his local swimming baths and raised £1256 for the Ukraine Disaster Committee. Freddie organised this swim and gained sponsors as he believes that he can make a difference- and he really has! Well done Freddie - we are really proud of you!

A group of pupils wanted to write to the local MP to urge our government to do more to help the people of Ukraine. Sarah Dines, the local MP wrote back.