Courageous Advocacy

A courageous advocate is someone who champions a cause which is special and meaningful to them, in order to make the world a better place. At Cranham Primary, we have a strong emphasis on encouraging our pupils to become courageous advocates, not just locally, but nationally and globally too.

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 

Courageous Advocacy

It is important for our children to appreciate their role as part of a larger community, to take responsibility and to foster an understanding of their importance, impact and influence in the world. In recent years, we have supported a range of local, national and global charities. The school council work with staff, governors, parents, pupils and St James the Great Church to identify issues to support. As well as raising money every month through 'Funky Thursday', we have carried out a range of different fund-raising activities to support many worthy causes, such as:

• Stroud Food Bank
• Teams4U Shoebox Appeal
• Sport Relief
• Comic Relief
• Children in Need
• Macmillan
• The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal
• The Grand Appeal (Bristol Children's Hospital)
• Rags2Riches
• Help the Heroes

Social action can be defined as people coming together to tackle an issue, support other people, or improve their local area. It involves people giving their time and other resources for the common good, in a range of forms – from volunteering to community-owned services, and peer networks to community organising. Our children have an excellent grasp on the meaning of belonging to a local and global community and the sense of responsibility that comes with belonging, thereby developing their ability to feel compassion and to have the courage to take action to benefit others. This isn't just about charity work; for example, during Mental Health week, Oak Class shared their concerns for the number of lonely people within our village. They worked hard to create supportive advice leaflets to be distributed at the Village Hall and the church, informing people of the ways in which they can help themselves and help each other. Our children understand that the actions they take can make a difference to the world around them but that this involves confidence, courage and effort.

Together, through Collective Worship, 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 embraces a responsibility for the world in which we live.