Agents of Change

What is an Agent of Change?

Courageous advocacy is speaking out against an issue of injustice, often on behalf of those whose voice is not heard. Speaking out requires courage! Becoming an agent of change involves being informed about an issue and doing something to make God’s world better.

Vision

We believe in encouraging our pupils to become courageous advocates, not just locally, but nationally and globally.

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, regardless of who they are, where they come from or what challenges they may face. This is reinforced through our work as a Gold UNICEF Rights Respecting School and an International Award, winning school.

We teach this through the teachings of the bible, collective worship, special events and learning about other courageous advocates through curriculum projects. 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. These are presented annually to parents in a special class assembly where parents and family members are invited into school for the children to share their learning experience and educate the wider community.

“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 to foster an understanding of their importance, impact and influence in the world. This is reflected in the charitable undertakings we have committed to in our yearly plan of events. We support a range of charities in our local area, nationally and globally. Our Vision Leader work with staff, parents and Governors in developing our ethos and vision of showing understanding and kindness to others.

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

The local food bank at St. Oswald’s Church
Christian Aid
Comic Relief
Shelter
Christian Aid
Captain Tom Foundation
Children in Need
Macmillan
The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal (Click here to see our Charities timetable for the school year)

Our children are able to clearly articulate their understanding of belonging to a local and global community and the sense of responsibility that comes with belonging. 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 embrace 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:

Strong links with St. Oswald’s Church
Charities of significance to our children; through the inspiring Courageous Advocate Sir Captain Tom Moore
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 PFA with community events such as Christmas and Summer Fayres, which support funding of events and extra for the children
School advertises and supports local events
Strong links with local pre-schools

Examples of courageous advocacy by members of our school can be found on a display in school where our certificates of thanks are displayed.