What is a Courageous Advocate?
"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
A Courageous Advocate is someone who champions a cause that is special and meaningful to them — someone who sees an injustice, a need, or a problem in the world, and decides to do something about it.
At Loxley C of E Community Primary School, we are inspired by the example of Jesus, who spoke up for those who were disadvantaged, disempowered and overlooked. We want our children to do the same. Through Collective Worship, RE, PSHE and across the curriculum, we give children the knowledge, the language and the courage to stand up, speak out and take action — locally, nationally and globally.
Our Christian values — particularly Hope, Community, Respect and Perseverance — underpin everything our children do as courageous advocates. They give us the conviction that the world can be better, and the courage to play our part in making it so.
Our Courageous Advocacy in Action
Mountbatten Hospice — Over £1,000 Raised
Last year, our school community came together to raise an extraordinary over £1,000 for the Mountbatten Hospice — a cause that supports people and families at the most difficult times of their lives. Fundraising events brought the whole school together, and children showed remarkable generosity, creativity and compassion in their efforts. This project was a powerful expression of our values of Hope, Community and Forgiveness.
Air Ambulance — Our School Council's Chosen Charity
This year, our School Council chose the Air Ambulance as the school's charity of the year — a service that saves lives in our region every single day. The whole school marked the campaign with a Wear Yellow Day, turning our school a brilliant, joyful yellow in solidarity with the crews who fly to the aid of people in their most desperate moments. Fundraising events throughout the year have brought children, staff and families together in a shared commitment to this vital cause.
Eco-Council: Improving Our Parish Playing Fields and Forest School
Our Eco-Council identified a need in the local community: the parish playing fields and our own Forest School area needed investment and improvement. The children organised fundraising to help make this happen — and their work has directly benefited the community they live in. This project is a beautiful example of Community and Perseverance in action: children seeing a need, taking responsibility, and making a difference. In recognition of our school's commitment to the environment and to community, Loxley has been awarded the prestigious Eco-Schools Green Flag Award.
Letters to the President of Brazil
In Geography, our Horse Chestnut children studied the devastating loss of the Amazon rainforest and learned about the consequences of deforestation — for the planet, for indigenous communities, and for future generations. Inspired and determined, the children decided to write letters directly to the President of Brazil, articulating the issues they had learned about and asking him to protect this irreplaceable resource. Although a reply did not come, the act of writing those letters — of using their voices for something much bigger than themselves — was itself a profound act of courage and conviction. This is courageous advocacy at its finest: children who believe their voice matters, and who are brave enough to use it.
Remembrance and the Loxley War Memorial
Each November, our children craft hand-made poppies at Forest School and carry them to the Loxley War Memorial for the village Remembrance service. In laying their poppies at the cross, children take part in an act of courageous advocacy for peace — remembering those who gave their lives so that others might live freely, and committing themselves to the value of peace in their own lives and communities. This act of remembrance connects our children to history, to their village, and to the conviction that every human life is precious.
How We Develop Courageous Advocates
Courageous advocacy does not happen by accident at Loxley. It grows from a curriculum that consistently asks children to look outward — to notice injustice, to ask questions, to consider their responsibilities, and to act.
In Collective Worship, children regularly encounter stories of individuals who used their voices and their actions to make the world better — from the Good Samaritan to modern-day advocates for justice. In RE, they explore the ethical teachings of Christianity and other faiths. In Geography, they grapple with global challenges and their local responses to them. In PSHE, they develop the emotional literacy and moral reasoning to make courageous choices.
Our School Council and Eco-Council give children genuine agency — real power to identify causes, organise action, and make a difference. Their decisions shape the life of our school and community in tangible ways.
We want every child who leaves Loxley to know, in their bones, that they have the power to change things — and the responsibility to try.