What is a courageous advocate?

A courageous advocate is someone who supports, champions and speaks up for a cause that is important and meaningful to them. Courage is needed to persevere and stand up for something or someone you believe in, to make a difference.

At Brenzett C of E Primary School, we want to support and encourage our children 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, regardless of where they come from or what their challenges are. We teach this in many ways; through our work on values, by links to the Bible, other faiths and world views, as well as learning about other courageous advocates. We want our children to have confidence to discuss and debate big ideas, to challenge injustice and engage in activities that can bring about change on some level.

"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 and foster an understanding of their importance, impact and influence in the world. Our school council is one example of how our children have opportunities to implement change and make a real difference to the world around them.

In recent years, we have carried out fundraising to raise awareness of issues and support those working for change, including:

• Local food bank
• Sports relief
• Comic Relief
• Children in Need
• Mission Aviation Fellowship
• Royal British Legion

We aim for our children to develop an excellent grasp on the meaning of belonging to a local and global community and the sense of responsibility that comes with this belonging. We need to show our connection with, and care for, the world in which we all live and care for the people who live in it:

• Support for charities of significance to our children and families
• School Council who seek the views of the children, giving a voice to concerns and plans
• PTFA who lead community events such as Christmas fairs, quizzes and socials.
• The Gardening Club led an initiative to improve our outdoor environment by contacting organisations to help and support the development of the club to enhance the outdoor spaces for all
• School social media supports local events and community information sharing.

Our worship leads during collective worship, talking about a local beach that received a brown flag award.