We kicked off our global justice learning in the form of our SMSC week. This year the children have been learning about Hurricane Melissa and taking action against climate change.

During the week, the children have all taken part in a whole-school sewing activity where they have recreated the school vision statement “A Thriving and Aspirational Community Rooted in God’s Love” using only recycled fabrics. Miss Humphries and Mrs Rothery have been busy sewing all the classes’ work together, and we can’t wait to see (and share with you all) the finished piece.

To kick start the week, we heard from Francesco from the British Red Cross who told us all about the work that both they, and the Jamaican Red Cross, are doing to support those impacted by natural disasters across the globe. We learned so much from Francesco and are so grateful for the British Red Cross for coming in and supporting our learning. We also had a science lesson planned for us by Miss Savage so that the children understood the root causes and thought about what steps they could take to minimise their own negative impact on the world.

The children all took action against climate change through creating posters and writing to local and global leaders, organised by Miss Powell. Year 3 wrote to local businesses and asked them to display their posters about recycling or reducing electrical/water waste. Year 4 wrote to Mr Saunders to ask him to allow them to design their own non-school uniform day to raise both awareness and funds for the British Red Cross and Monkton Nature reserve – Mr Saunders chose a crazy hair and PJ day which was lots of fun and formed the final day of our Courageous Advocacy week.

Mr Last designed some PSHE learning where the children were able to explore thier own feelings about climate change whilst being sensitive to climate change anxiety and Mrs Rothery taught us all about some incredibly inspirational poetry from the Jamaican poet, Valerie Bloom.

Miss McGinley taught us all about what different religions teach about Climate Change and loving God’s Earth and all the children were able to be creative in expressing themselves in their views through creating art work and posters.

Mrs Hopper had lots of fun with the children teaching them all about Ska music and Mrs Dekker then taught the children a ska dance which was a real highlight of the week for both the children and adults alike!

On Friday, Sir Roger Gale came into school and spoke with the children about not only his role and responsibilities in tackling climate change but he also imparted his own plea for our children to take action – something that they all took on board. After his worship, he judged our recycled art project which was not an easy task as there were so many fantastic entries!

The school council were fundamental to the success of this week by not only supporting teachers in the planning of activities but also in delivering worships and sharing information everyday with the whole school about the impact of global warming on the climate.

Opportunities like this, where the children get to see how their lives are connected with other people across the globe, share in learning and take action themselves are so important in the pursuit of all the children becoming courageous advocates.