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 which is special and meaningful to them, in order to make the world a better place. At Barrow, we have a strong emphasis on encouraging our children to become courageous advocates, not just locally, but nationally and globally too.

 It is important for our children to appreciate their role as part of a larger community, to take responsibility and to foster an understanding of their importance, impact and influence in the world. In recent years, we have supported a range of local, national and global charities. The Junior Leadership Team alongside staff, governors, parents, pupils and the URC to identify needs. As well as raising money for our annual chosen charity, we have carried out a range of different fund-raising activities to support many worthy causes, such as:

• Shoebox Appeal
• Sport Relief
• Comic Relief
• Children in Need
• Macmillan
• The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal
• NSPCC
• Christian Aid

Social action can be defined as people coming together to tackle an issue, support other people, or improve their local area. It involves people giving their time and other resources for the common good, in a range of forms – from volunteering to community-owned services, and peer networks to community organising. Our children have an excellent grasp on the meaning of belonging to a local and global community and the sense of responsibility that comes with belonging, thereby developing their ability to feel compassion and to have the courage to take action to benefit others. This isn't just about charity work; for example some of our year 6 children organised a collection point and fundraising through bracelet sales for refugees. Our children understand that the actions they take can make a difference to the world around them, but that this involves confidence, courage and effort.

Together, through collective Worship, 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 embraces a responsibility for the world in which we live.

Over the past few years, the children have chosen to support different charities ranging from WWF and adopted animals in each class, local charity ‘Arts 4 All’ an art-based support group that offers art sessions to adults with learning difficulties, and last year’s charity supporting the local food bank ‘Ribble valley Foodbank’. We feel that is important that the children not only raise money, as a one off that they have a growing understanding of the world and needs around them. This year’s charity ‘Ribble Valley Foodbank’ has allowed us to have close links. Each month we collect an item that is most needed and then a group of children and staff go down to the foodbank to donate the goods, help out where they can and learn about the work and need in the local area. As a school, we believe strongly that courageous advocacy is ‘beyond the bake sale’ and continue to work hard to instil these values.

2025-26...This year...

Since 2024, our school has been proud to support The Bethany Project in Tanzania, building a strong and lasting partnership with its children's home and schools. Through the generosity of our pupils, families, staff and wider community, we have raised an incredible £12,000 to help fund a new library block at the girls' secondary school, creating a dedicated space where students can learn, read and achieve their full potential.

In addition to this, we have funded school uniforms for girls, helping to remove barriers to education and ensuring more young people have the opportunity to attend school with confidence and pride.

Our commitment extends beyond fundraising. Members of our staff have now visited The Bethany Project on two occasions, spending time at both the children's home and the school. These visits have strengthened our partnership, enabled us to share educational experiences and ideas, and allowed us to see first-hand the positive impact of our support.

Our link with The Bethany Project provides many benefits for our school community. It helps our pupils develop an understanding of global citizenship, compassion and social responsibility, while encouraging them to appreciate different cultures and recognise the importance of helping others. Through this partnership, our children learn that even small acts of kindness and fundraising can make a lasting difference to the lives of young people across the world.

Please explore our photo albums to find out more.