What is a courageous advocate?

A courageous advocate is someone who supports, champions and speaks up for a cause that is important and meaningful to them. Courage is needed to do this, to persevere and to stand up for something or someone you believe in, in order to make a difference in the world.

At Lovington Primary School, we aim to support and encourage our children to become courageous advocates through championing causes in their local community, nationally and in the wider world. We encourage our children to develop the confidence to take a stand for what they believe is right, even in challenging situations. This aligns with our Christian values of hope and courage, helping our children to believe in themselves, that with courage and resilience they can make changes that are important to them.

We know that 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 really is important to help others. We teach this through our work on British Values, world views and by links to the Bible as well as using other important books from other faiths. Our children learn about other courageous advocates who make a difference to our world. We want our children to have the confidence to discuss and debate big ideas, to challenge injustice and to engage in activities that can bring about change on some level.

 

"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

 

What do our Lovington Courageous Advocates do?

It is important for our children to appreciate their role as part of a community. We encourage them to take responsibility for themselves and to foster an understanding of their importance, impact and influence they can have in the world.

Many of our learning experiences encourage children to consider big and meaningful concepts. After learning all about the Amazon Rainforest and endangered creatures in Kenya, the children chose to support these charities.

Courageous Advocates at Lovington:

Lovington Children have carried out a range of fundraising events, as well as developing strategies to raise awareness about issues that they care about and to support those working for change, including:

• Yeovil Hospital
• The Rainforest Trust
• MacMillan Appeal
• Taita Hills Animal Sanctuary

• Comic Relief
• Children in Need
• Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal
• Hello Yellow for Young Minds

 

Pippin Class have also shared their thoughts with our local parish councillors on why we should have a park in the village. From community building to habitats for wildlife, safe places to ride bikes or simply somewhere to have fun, they'd thought of it all! 

Meeting with the councillors, the children shared their own designs for the new park, justifying their reasons as to why they'd added certain features, including bins, toilets and other practicalities. The parish councillors were incredibly impressed with the designs the children had created and at how well they communicated their ideas too.