"Love your neighbour as yourself" Mark 12:29-31

Courageous Advocacy at Wistow School

We are courageous advocates for the common good—locally, nationally and globally. We recognise that life is full of ups and downs and that, at times, all people will face challenges for which they need help and support. We believe that people are worth spending time with, that they need time to grow, and that they deserve loving attention. The Christian Gospel teaches that every person has a unique task to do—with God and for God—whether they know it or not. We hold, and courageously advocate, the conviction that there is something mysterious and potentially wonderful in everybody.

It is important for our children to appreciate their role as part of a community: to take responsibility, to look after themselves, and to develop an understanding of their importance, impact and influence in the world.

Supporting Causes Near and Far

We support a wide range of charities in our local area, as well as nationally and globally. The School Council works with staff, governors, parents, pupils and All Saints’ Church to identify worthy causes to support.

Our school stands up for what we believe. We have met with local parish councillors to raise issues of significance to the school community, including road safety around our school.

Our Christian values ensure that opportunities to discuss big issues, to challenge injustice, and to engage in activities that can bring about change are always present.

Belonging to a Local and Global Community

Our children have an excellent understanding of what it means to belong to both a local and a global community, and of the responsibility that comes with belonging. This enables them to develop empathy and to make small sacrifices for the benefit of others.

Together, we consider the beauty and fragility of our environment, the actions we take, and the impact these actions may have on the well-being of everyone. Our school community and curriculum actively embrace a responsibility for the world in which we live.

As a church school, we spend time in worship learning about Christianity all over the world, as well as other faiths and this helps us all understand more about the wonderful world in which we live.

Children’s Choice Charities

As a school, we run a project called Children’s Choice Charities. This initiative is led by pupil groups who identify, share and champion pupil voice—locally, nationally and globally—to decide which causes we should support both at home and abroad. Children explore how they can help others, raise awareness and take meaningful action, ensuring charitable work is directly influenced by the interests and compassion of our pupils.

Examples of this include:

• Links with local care homes, sending cards and treats
• Supporting charities significant to our children and staff e.g. Selby Hands of Hope, Saint Leonard's Hospice
• Sponsoring a child in Uganda, Ishimwe, for nine years—supporting his education and helping him and his family
• Developing links with schools locally, nationally and internationally to learn about similarities, differences, and ways we can support each other
• A strong PTA hosting community events such as Christmas and Summer fairs and discos
• Supporting WaterAid’s work across the world
• Advertising and supporting local events
• Strong links with local pre-schools and nurseries
• Contributions from the Headteacher and staff to the local parish newsletter and local papers to connect with the community and support projects
• Working in partnership with local groups and organisations to build meaningful, lasting relationships through Christian festivals and celebrations and also other community initiatives.

Going the Extra Mile: Acts of Kindness Beyond School

We are immensely proud of the many children who choose to go the extra mile in their own time, taking it upon themselves to make a difference to individuals, groups or charities without being asked. Whether raising money for a cause close to their hearts, helping neighbours, supporting local initiatives, or simply showing kindness to others, our pupils regularly demonstrate compassion and a deep sense of responsibility beyond the school gates.

We celebrate these wonderful acts in school through special recognition. Children who have shown exceptional kindness or taken independent action to help others are awarded a Courageous Advocate badge during collective worship. Their act is then added to a golden heart on our Faith Celebration Board in the school hall, ensuring their contribution is recognised, valued and shared with the whole school community.

This in turn has shown that pupils who become Courageous Advocates inspire others to have a go and become Courageous Advocates themselves, creating a ripple effect of kindness, responsibility and positive action throughout our school family.