What is Courageous Advocacy?
By way of a working definition, when using the term ‘courageous advocacy’ we are referring to the act of speaking out against an issue of injustice, often on behalf of those whose voice is not heard.
At Berkswell CE Primary, we encourage and support our children to become courageous advocates who believe they can become ‘Agents of Change’ to strive towards a fairer and more joyous world. Speaking out, at whatever level this takes place, requires an element (and sometimes a great deal) of courage! This means that they champion causes that are special and meaningful to them, connected to matters and concerns personal and close to home or linked to wider global issues.
Courageous Advocacy at Berkswell CE Primary School
At Berkswell C of E Primary School, our school vision has at the heart of it three key values: Love, Togetherness and Aspiration. Through the teaching and understanding of Love and Togetherness in particular, as key principles of our vision, children develop positive relationships with each other and with the rest of our school community. We promote a strong ethos of togetherness and support and as a result pupils build an understanding of the importance to balance individual freedom and rights with responsibilities towards others.
‘Let us stop just saying we love people, let us really love them and show it by our actions’. (John 3:18)
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. This is delivered through the teachings of the bible and by learning about other courageous advocates and current world issues. We believe it is important for our children to appreciate their role as part of a community and the wider world. We encourage them to want to take responsibility for themselves and to gain an understanding of their importance, impact, and influence in the world.
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and most important command. And the second command is like the first: Love your neighbour the same as you love yourself.’ (Matthew 22:37-40)
Courageous Advocacy opportunities within school, whilst being responsive to issues that arise throughout the school year, are broadly mapped out against our curriculum to ensure that children make meaningful links between their learning, and social action. In 2015, world leaders agreed on 17 Global Goals. These goals aim to create a better world by 2030, by ending poverty, fighting inequality, and addressing the urgency of climate change. These goals form the basis of many of the courageous advocacy opportunities which link to our curriculum.
Children identify an issue or problem that they really care about and which arises as a result of teaching the curriculum. They are encouraged to delve more deeply into the issue or concern so that they have a secure understanding of it. The children lead the way forward by working out what they as a group can do to change or improve the problem and identify the people with influence that can make those changes. The children forge forward by contacting those people with the power that can make a difference and by taking action themselves where appropriate.
See our ‘Courageous Advocacy Spring Term Newsletter’ to find out more about the work we have been doing across the school.
Across the year, as a school, we work closely with the local community and church. There is an increasing number of elderly residents in the local area of Berkswell, many of whom live alone and find it difficult to get out and about and socialise due to poor transport links. As a result, we organise two main events: Our Christmas Lunch and Summer Tea Party. Local residents are invited to these events where they are served Christmas Lunch/Sandwiches and cakes by the Year 6 children, who interact with our visitors and make them feel at home. During both events, all children across all key stages perform songs.
At Christmas, we talk about the joy of giving outweighing that of receiving and the children plan activities to share the joy of Christmas with our local community, e.g. making and giving of cards to local residents, singing, giving handmade gifts to those elderly residents that attend coffee morning at the church, etc. Our Year 3 and 4 children came together to organise a cake sale in order to raise money for Carries of Hope a charity supported by the church. As part of this the children baked their own cakes. EYFS had a ‘Reverse Advent Calendar’ where they carried out acts of kindness towards others, including the collection of food donations for Birmingham City Mission.
An essential part of the courageous advocacy process is for the children to reflect upon and evaluate the impact of their actions. Throughout the year, children will share their progress and achievements with their courageous advocacy projects in class and with the school community through collective worship, the school website and newsletters.
Pupil Voice
“Courageous Advocacy is us looking after the world and us making a difference. It is important because we are speaking up and looking after the God’s world. We are shining our light by doing our part. I feel like I am making a difference.” (Layla)
“It’s when you are kind to people, and stand up for people, because that’s what God wants us to do, to help. We are kind to each other. Last year, we made cards for the people who are lonely at Christmas.” (Thomas)
“Being a Courageous Advocate is important, to shine our light and to help make a difference in the world.” (Jacob)
An essential part of the courageous advocacy process is for the children to reflect upon and evaluate the impact of their actions. Throughout the year, children will share their progress and achievements with their courageous advocacy projects in class and with the school community through collective worship, the school website and newsletters.
