Justice and Responsibility

“If the purpose of education is the promotion of life in all its fullness and human flourishing, then this must, by necessity, involve developing young people who can learn to flourish in every aspect of their lives – young people who can work for the flourishing of others and for the planet we share.” (Church of England ‘Courageous Advocacy’)

Courageous advocacy is defined by the Church of England as

“the act of speaking out against an issue of injustice, often on behalf of those whose voice is not heard.” 

At St Mark's we encourage and support our children to become courageous advocates who believe that they can become ‘agents of change’ to strive towards a fairer and more joyous world. This means that they champion causes that are special and meaningful to them; connected to matters and concerns personal and close to home for them or linked to wider global issues.

It is important for our children to appreciate their role as part of a community; to take responsibility, to be able to look after themselves and foster an understanding of their importance, impact and influence in the world. We support our children to have opportunities to implement change and make a real difference to the world around them.

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live in unity!

       Psalm 133

We aim for our children to develop an excellent grasp on the meaning of belonging to a local and global community and the sense of responsibility that comes with this belonging. We need to show our connection with, and care for, the world in which we all live and care for the people who live in it.

 

We do this by:

  • links with the local community and local charities. Children, families and staff vote for the charities that are close to them. In recent years we have carried out fundraising to raise awareness of issues and support those working for change, including, The Brick a local foodbank, Children in Need, Royal British Legion, Wigan and Leigh Hospice, Daffodils Dreams a local charity that always helps our children and families, Writing letters to figures of authority (CEO, local MP) which has resulted in positive change and a visit from our Mayor.
  • School Council who seek views of the children, giving a voice to concerns and plans.
  • Y6 Knights who take delight in helping staff, tend to the school grounds and gardens and support younger pupils.

‘The school’s Christian vision and values underpin all relationships and are at the heart of all policies and practice. The positive approach to equality and valuing difference means that everyone in the school community is treated with dignity and respect.’ SIAMS report 2019

All members of the school community demonstrate Christian compassion and concern for justice in local, national and global settings as they support a number of charities. SIAMS 2019