🌱
Courageous Advocacy at Brabourne CEP School
“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it becomes the largest of garden plants.”
— Matthew 13:31–32
At Brabourne Church of England Primary School, we believe that even the smallest act of kindness can grow into something extraordinary. The Parable of the Mustard Seed reminds us that faith, courage, and compassion—no matter how small—can make a lasting difference in our world.
Through our teaching, worship, and community action, pupils develop a deep understanding of social justice—fairness, dignity, and respect for all people.
This understanding leads naturally into courageous advocacy: pupils are empowered to act when they see injustice, to speak up for others, and to care for God’s creation. Whether supporting local food banks, campaigning for environmental sustainability, or fundraising for global charities, our children demonstrate how faith in action can transform lives. Like the mustard seed, their ideas and efforts—though they may start small—grow into powerful expressions of love, hope, and justice within our school, community, and world.
We encourage our pupils to stand up with confidence, step out of their comfort zones, and speak up for what they believe in.
What is Courageous Advocacy?
Courageous advocacy means standing up for what is right, helping those in need, and being a voice for change. It is about encouraging our children to see themselves as agents of hope, justice, and compassion—locally and globally.
Through our Christian vision and values, we inspire pupils to:
-
Speak out for fairness and equality when they see injustice.
-
Show courage and compassion in supporting others.
-
Take action, however small, to look after the world, each other and care for our community.
Like the mustard seed, our children’s ideas and actions may begin small—but with nurturing, faith, and perseverance, they grow into powerful expressions of love and service.
How We Live Out Courageous Advocacy
At Brabourne CEP School, courageous advocacy is woven through all we do:
-
Charitable Projects: Supporting local food banks, national appeals, and global charities.
-
Environmental Stewardship: Caring for our world, through recycling initiatives, eco-club activities, and outdoor learning.
-
Social Action: Pupils lead projects to raise awareness of important causes—from mental health and inclusion to global citizenship.
-
Collective Worship and Reflection: We explore stories of courage, justice, and faith, inspiring pupils to make positive choices in their own lives.
Growing Faith, Courage, and Hope
We want every child to leave Brabourne knowing that their voice matters. Like the mustard seed, their faith and actions—though they may start small—can flourish into something that brings shelter, hope, and joy to others.
Standing Up for Others
We actively support a wide range of charitable causes, responding to need with generosity and determination. Our fundraising has helped charities including Tourette’s charities, Children in Need, Red Nose Day, Ukraine cancer charities, 21 Together, animal sanctuaries for goats and cats, the Ashford Bee Keeping Charity, Bright City Church homeless shelter, and the Folkestone homeless shelter. We have also raised funds for the British Legion and supported local food banks.
Taking Action Creatively
Our pupils lead and organise fundraising through fun runs, tuck shops, wear-yellow days, non-uniform days, inter-house events, and donation of spare change. They design and sell bracelets, cakes, and eco-products through our farm shop, and host community events such as afternoon cream teas and street parties. Children and adults also work together on Ground Force days, improving shared spaces for everyone.
Growing Leaders and Changemakers
Through completing the Young Leaders Award and “Stepping Out” homework, children learn that advocacy starts at home and in their neighbourhoods. Activities such as litter picking, baking for neighbours, caring for animals, completing Race for Life challenges, and helping with household tasks encourage responsibility, empathy, and service.
Advocacy Beyond the Classroom
Our commitment to courageous advocacy reaches far beyond school grounds. Pupils have:
-
Won Primary School of the Year for Citizenship
-
Written to companies and politicians about issues they care deeply about
-
Led Collective Worship on topics they are passionate about, listening carefully to visitors and learning from their experiences
-
Followed and contributed to a Climate Change Action Plan
-
Taken part in a debate at the Mayor of Ashford’s Chambers
-
Visited the Houses of Parliament to see democracy in action
Caring for Creation and Community
Children manage beehives and learn how bees support biodiversity, grow their own vegetables for the school kitchen, and care for animals. They visit firefighters, care homes, homeless shelters, places of worship, and community organisations to see courageous advocacy in action and understand different cultures, religions, and ways of life.
Sharing Voices That Matter
Our pupils have created podcasts interviewing other courageous advocates, asking thoughtful questions and amplifying voices that inspire change. By learning to listen, speak up, and act with integrity, they discover that advocacy is about courage, compassion, and hope.
Together, these experiences shape confident, thoughtful young people who know they can make a difference—and who are already doing so.