What is a courageous advocate?
A courageous advocate is someone who champions a cause which is special and meaningful to them.
At St. Bartholomew’s CE 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 House Teams are named after six courageous advocates: Sir David Attenborough; Christine & Dave Bagley; Marie Curie; Rosa Parks; Marcus Rashford and Dame Tanni Grey Thompson. These were voted for by our children after hearing about a number of different courageous advocates. Our Christian values and carefully planned opportunities in our curriculum ensure that the children develop skills in order 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.
We support a range of charities in our local area, nationally and globally. The Pupil Voice work with a range of stakeholders to identify worthy causes to support.
In the last year, we have carried out a range of different fund raising to support many good causes, some of which include:
• a local food bank (Urban Outreach)
• Young Minds
• Hello Yellow
• Children in Need
• The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
This school year (2023 – 2024), children throughout school are going to be further developing their understanding of Courageous Advocacy and becoming Courageous Advocates.
Each Class has chosen a theme to base their Courageous Advocacy around.
Year 6 – Eco-Schools and Sustainability
Year 5 – Disability Awareness
Year 4 – Education for All
Year 3 – The Local Environment – thinking about Wildlife Gardens and Food Planting
Year 2 – Toilet Twinning
Year 1 – Sponsoring a Guide Dog
Reception – Developing links with the local care home