At Herne, we understand courageous advocacy as the way in which pupils are enabled to recognise injustice, reflect on its impact, and take action to bring about positive change. In line with Christian Aid’s definition, courageous advocacy involves speaking out against injustice, standing alongside those who are treated unfairly, and using our voices and actions to promote justice, compassion and dignity for all. As courageous advocates, our pupils develop a strong sense of fairness and understand that injustice can be challenged.

Through the curriculum and wider school life, pupils explore local, national and global issues such as poverty, inequality, climate justice and unfair treatment. For example, pupils learn about the impact of climate change through their ECO lessons; where every lesson ends with an opportunity for action, respond to real-life stories and discuss what fairness and justice look like in different contexts. In RE and collective worship, pupils reflect on both Christian teachings and those of World Faiths about justice and compassion and consider how these values influence their own choices.
Through this exposure, our pupils can articulate what justice means and make clear links between Christian values and action.

Pupils are given regular, age-appropriate opportunities to act courageously. These include leading and participating in fundraising activities for charities such as those supported in our SMSC weeks, writing prayers or messages of hope, taking part in awareness-raising events, writing to local, national and global leaders and contributing to pupil voice initiatives such as school council, where our pupils are able to advocate for fairness and positive change within the school community. Anti-bullying work and restorative approaches further support pupils to speak up, stand alongside others and challenge unfair behaviour. We see every day that our pupils are confident to use their voices, show empathy for others and take responsibility for improving their community.

Courageous advocacy is embedded in the school’s Christian vision and values and supports pupils in developing empathy, moral courage and a sense of responsibility for others. Every child at Herne understands that their actions, however small, can make a difference, and they see themselves as agents of change both locally and globally which is a very powerful thing.