Nurturing Courageous Advocates

A courageous advocate is someone who stands up, speaks out, and takes action for the causes that matter. They have the courage to persevere when others remain silent, the conviction to defend what they believe is right, and the determination to create meaningful change in the world around them. 

At St Mary’s CE School, we are committed to nurturing courageous advocates—empowering our children to champion justice and compassion not only in their local communities but across the globe.

We believe in teaching our children that helping others is fundamental to who we are, regardless of background, circumstances, or the nature of someone's struggles. This philosophy permeates everything we do: through our values education, our exploration of biblical teachings, other faith traditions, and diverse worldviews. Our goal is to develop children who have the confidence to engage with complex ideas, the courage to question injustice, and the skills to participate in meaningful action that creates positive change. We want them to see themselves as agents of transformation, equipped with both the heart to care and the voice to advocate for a better world.

"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)

Building Community Leaders

At St Mary’s, we believe it is essential for our children to understand their vital role within the community—to embrace responsibility, develop self-reliance, and recognise their unique importance, impact, and influence in shaping the world around them. When children understand that their voices matter and their actions have consequences, they become empowered to make thoughtful, positive contributions to society.

Our school council is a prime example of this. Through this democratic platform, our children don't just learn about change—they create it. They identify issues that matter to them, develop solutions, and implement real improvements that benefit their school community and beyond. This hands-on experience transforms abstract concepts of advocacy into tangible skills and confidence that will serve them throughout their lives.

In recent years, we have carried out fundraising to raise awareness of issues and support those working for change, including:

• Comic Relief
• Children in Need
• Royal British Legion

Fostering Global Citizens

We are committed to helping our children develop a deep understanding of what it means to belong to both local and global communities, along with the profound sense of responsibility that accompanies this belonging. Citizenship extends far beyond geographical boundaries—it means recognising our interconnectedness with people across the world and understanding that our actions, however small, can ripple outward to create meaningful impact.

At the heart of this education is teaching our children to demonstrate genuine connection with and care for the world we all share. This means fostering compassion for all people who inhabit our planet, regardless of their circumstances, culture, or location. When children understand that they are part of something much larger than themselves, they naturally begin to see how their choices and actions can contribute to the wellbeing of others and the health of our shared world.