Courageous Advocacy
Courageous Advocacy at Cinnamon Brow CE Primary School
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
At Cinnamon Brow CE Primary School, our Christian vision inspires us to be people of hope who seek to make a positive difference in the world around us. We believe that every child can be an agent of change and that even small actions can have a significant impact on the lives of others.
As a Church of England school, we encourage our pupils to become courageous advocates: individuals who recognise injustice, speak up for others and take action to support those in need.
We teach our children that advocacy is rooted in Christian values such as love, compassion, justice, forgiveness and service. Through worship, Religious Education, curriculum learning and wider school experiences, children are challenged to think about how they can contribute to creating a fairer and more hopeful world.
Global Neighbours Award
We are proud to have achieved the Bronze Global Neighbours Award from Christian Aid in recognition of our commitment to global citizenship and courageous advocacy.
The Global Neighbours programme celebrates schools that help children understand issues such as global poverty, inequality and injustice, whilst empowering them to become active citizens who can make a difference in the world.
As part of this work, our pupils:
- Learn about local, national and global issues.
- Explore the causes and impact of poverty and inequality.
- Develop an understanding of justice and fairness.
- Consider how their actions can positively influence others.
- Take part in projects that support environmental sustainability and community action.
- Learn from the examples of people who have acted as courageous advocates for change.
The award reflects our commitment to developing responsible global citizens who are inspired by our Christian vision of Hope and a Future (Jeremiah 29:11). Through learning, reflection and action, we encourage children to recognise injustice, speak up for others and work towards creating a fairer world for all.
Our Global Neighbours journey supports our vision by helping pupils understand that they have the power to make a positive difference both within their local community and beyond.
What Is Courageous Advocacy?
A courageous advocate is someone who:
- Recognises unfairness and injustice.
- Is motivated by compassion and empathy.
- Speaks up for those who may not have a voice.
- Takes positive action to bring about change.
- Shows courage when standing up for what is right.
- Seeks to make a difference locally, nationally and globally.
Courageous Advocacy in Action
Throughout their time at Cinnamon Brow, pupils are given opportunities to lead and participate in projects that support others and improve their communities.
These may include:
- Supporting local charities and community initiatives.
- Fundraising for local, national and global causes.
- Learning about environmental responsibility and caring for God's creation.
- Raising awareness of important social issues.
- Participating in campaigns that promote fairness and inclusion.
- Supporting food banks and community projects.
- Responding to national and international emergencies through charitable action.
Pupil Leadership
Our pupils are encouraged to take ownership of advocacy projects and play an active role in identifying causes that matter to them.
Through leadership opportunities, children develop the confidence to:
- Share their views.
- Influence change within school.
- Organise events and fundraising activities.
- Encourage others to become involved.
- Reflect on how they can make a positive contribution to society.
Rooted in Our Christian Vision
Our vision reminds us that God offers hope even during challenging times. Inspired by this message, we aim to nurture children who believe they can make a difference and who have the courage to act when they see injustice.
We want every child to leave Cinnamon Brow with:
- A strong sense of responsibility towards others.
- The confidence to stand up for what is right.
- Compassion for those facing challenges.
- Hope for the future.
- A determination to improve the world around them.
Our Impact
Through courageous advocacy, our pupils learn that their actions matter. They develop the knowledge, skills and values needed to become active citizens who seek to bring hope, justice and positive change to their communities and the wider world.
At Cinnamon Brow CE Primary School, courageous advocacy is the practical expression of our vision. Through faith, hope and action, we empower our children to help shape a better future for all.
"Courageous Advocacy in Action" examples:
- Food bank collections
- Christian Aid fundraising
- Children's Mental Health Week
- Black History Month learning
- Inclusion Week
- School Parliament initiatives
- Community litter picks
- Support for refugees
- Harvest donations