​Courageous Advocacy at St Stephen’s Church of England Primary School

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At St Stephen’s CE Primary School, courageous advocacy is an important expression of our Christian vision:​

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“Serving our diverse community with compassion to provide the best start for all.”
 

Inspired by the Parable of the Good Samaritan, we encourage our children to recognise injustice, show compassion and take positive action to make a difference in the lives of others. We believe that every child has the potential to be an agent of change within their school, local community and the wider world. 
 

What is Courageous Advocacy?
 

Courageous advocacy is standing up for what is right, speaking out against injustice and taking action to improve the lives of others. At St Stephen's, we teach children that they can use their voices, talents and actions to bring about positive change and serve others with compassion and dignity. 
 

Developing Courageous Advocates
 

Our pupils are given many opportunities to become active citizens and responsible leaders. Through a variety of leadership roles and initiatives, children learn that their views matter and that they can make a meaningful difference.

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These opportunities include:

• School Council, where pupils lead charitable events, gather the views of others and help improve school life. 

• Worship Group, who contribute ideas, help plan worship and ensure pupil voice influences decision-making. 

• Eco-Warriors, who promote environmental responsibility and encourage sustainable practices. 

• Digital Ambassadors, who support online safety and help others make responsible choices online. 

• Rainbow Warriors, Bistro Buddies, Young Interpreters and Subject Ambassadors, who provide support, inclusion and leadership opportunities throughout the school. 

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Taking Action in Our Community
 

Our children actively engage with issues that matter to them. They learn that courageous advocacy involves both recognising a need and taking action to address it.

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Examples include:

• Supporting local and national charities through fundraising events.

• Promoting the school's food pantry and uniform swap shop to help families experiencing hardship. 

• Supporting our local food back with our Harvest Festival contributions 

• Writing to organisations and decision-makers about issues they care about, such as reducing water pollution and improving road safety around the school.

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Learning from Diversity
 

As a richly diverse school community, we celebrate and respect different cultures, faiths and backgrounds. Through events such as World Religions Day, pupils learn to value the experiences and beliefs of others, promoting understanding, inclusion and mutual respect. 

Children are encouraged to consider different perspectives, challenge stereotypes and develop the confidence to speak up for those who may not have a voice. 

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Courageous Advocacy Through the Curriculum
 

Courageous advocacy is embedded throughout our curriculum. Through Religious Education, PSHE, worship, literature and wider learning experiences, pupils explore themes of justice, equality, responsibility and service.

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They learn about:

• Fairness and equality.

• Human rights and responsibilities.

• Environmental sustainability.

• Community service.

• Ethical decision-making.

• The impact their actions can have on others.

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These experiences help children understand that small acts of kindness and larger acts of service can both contribute to positive change.

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Living Our Vision
 

Our Christian values of Respect, Compassion, Forgiveness, Friendship, Trust, Thankfulness and Perseverance inspire our pupils to become courageous advocates who seek to serve others and improve their communities. Through developing empathy, leadership and a sense of social responsibility, we aim to equip every child to be a compassionate citizen who makes a positive difference in the world.