Our school vision is based on Matthew 5: 14-16 by being a light and bringing out the God-colours in the world; being generous with our lives, opening up to others and prompting people to open up with God. This is the driver of everything we do as a school.

At St Mark’s CofE Primary School, we are strongly committed to developing children as Global Citizens who actively engage in activities to bring about positive social change. Through our carefully planned curriculum, and our newly developed Collective Worship programme, all staff members take every opportunity to advance the children’s understanding of Global citizenship and courageous advocacy whilst treating all people with dignity and respect.

🌍 Global Neighbours Bronze Award

To develop this further, we are currently working towards the Global Neighbours Bronze Award, led by Christian Aid. This award recognises a school’s commitment to living out its Christian values through global learning and courageous advocacy.

As we journey towards Bronze, our children are learning about issues such as poverty, inequality and climate change, and reflecting on how we are called to respond with compassion, justice and hope.

Through prayer, learning and action, we are growing as Global Neighbours — understanding that we are part of God’s global family and that even small actions can help to make a difference in our community and the wider world.

We aim to explore similarities, differences and connections between people and communities across the globe, exploring themes of injustice, climate and poverty locally, nationally and globally.

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”

 Archbishop Desmond Tutu

“Courageous advocacy is about speaking out against an issue of injustice on behalf of those whose voice is not heard.”

Christian Aid

 

Our Global Neighbours Journey so far..

At our school, we are proud to be working towards the Christian Aid Global Neighbours Award. This reflects our commitment to developing children who are compassionate, informed and courageous advocates for change. 

Global citizenship is embedded throughout our school vision, values and curriculum. We believe that every child should understand their role in the wider world and learn how they can make a positive difference both locally and globally. 

Global Citizenship in Action 

Pupils are actively involved in practical activities that allow them to apply their understanding of global citizenship and take meaningful action. Across the school, children engage in projects linked to global poverty, climate justice and social responsibility. 

Our Eco-Club and Global Neighbours Ambassadors lead many initiatives throughout the year, including: 

• Litter picking around the village 

• Environmental awareness projects 

• Fairtrade learning 

• Recycling campaigns 

• Reflection garden activities for younger pupils 

• Half-termly collections for the Handcross Pantry 

• Fundraising and awareness events such as Comic Relief 

The Eco-Club also works with outside organisations, including the National Trust, helping pupils engage directly with experts and environmental issues. 

Children are encouraged to think critically about how they can create change. Through ambassador roles and courageous advocacy projects, pupils evaluate different ways to respond to local and global issues and take ownership of their actions. 

Leadership and School Commitment 

Global Neighbours is a key part of our School Development Plan and is supported strategically by school leaders and governors. A dedicated Global Neighbours Link Governor works alongside the Assistant Headteacher to monitor progress, support development and ensure accountability. 

Staff training has played an important role in embedding Global Neighbours across the school. Following introductory whole-staff training, regular follow-up sessions and twilight meetings have been used to deepen understanding and strengthen delivery. 

Every two weeks, pupils take part in a Global Neighbours collective worship led by the Assistant Headteacher. These sessions focus on themes such as climate justice, equality, courageous advocacy and global poverty, helping children understand how Christian values connect to real-world issues. 

Our Christian values are consistently linked to global themes. For example, worship on Creation explores climate change, stewardship and caring for our world. Our Vision in Action Council (VIACS) also leads worship on themes such as friendship, inclusion and respect. 

The song The Power in Me has become an important part of our courageous advocacy work, encouraging children to recognise that they can use their voice to make a difference. 

A Curriculum with a Global Perspective 

From Reception to Year 6, pupils are given opportunities to explore global issues and understand different perspectives. 

In Reception, children learn about similarities and differences between England, Kenya, the Arctic and the Antarctic, exploring issues such as deforestation and climate change in age-appropriate ways. 

Across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, pupils study a wide range of topics linked to justice, equality and social change. Examples include: 

• Fairtrade 

• Rainforests and deforestation 

• Crime and punishment through history 

• Refugees and migration 

• Environmental sustainability 

• Historical figures such as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr, Nelson Mandela and Anne Frank 

For World Book Day this year, the whole school explored the book My Name is Not Refugee. Pupils reflected on themes of displacement, identity and empathy, discussing questions such as: 

• What would you take if you had to leave suddenly? 

• What makes you who you are? 

This helped children understand that people are more than their immigration status and encouraged empathy for those facing difficult circumstances. 

In RE, pupils use the Emmanuel Project to gain a deep understanding of different world religions and develop respect for different beliefs and cultures. 

Picture News worship themes and class discussions encourage children to explore ‘big questions’ about fairness, suffering, inequality and justice. Our prayer display boards also give pupils opportunities to ask questions, reflect and share their thoughts about issues affecting the wider world. 

Promoting Diversity and Anti-Racism 

As part of our commitment to dignity, equality and respect, we are actively developing an anti-racist culture within school. 

Staff have undertaken anti-racism training and completed the NEU Anti-Racism Audit to reflect on current practice and identify future priorities. One important outcome has been the auditing and diversification of our library and reading materials to ensure pupils encounter books that positively represent: 

• Different races and cultures 

• Neurodiversity 

• Disabilities 

• Family structures 

• Gender and sexuality 

Although we are a relatively non-diverse school, we believe it is essential that pupils see themselves and others represented fairly and positively. 

Learning Beyond Our School 

Our growing partnership with Loiyangalani gives pupils meaningful opportunities to learn about life in another global community and reflect on shared challenges and experiences. 

Children also regularly share their learning with parents and the wider community through: 

• School newsletters 

• Worship presentations 

• Eco-Club activities 

• Ambassador projects 

• Community initiatives 

The Handcross Pantry project has been particularly successful, with pupils organising and leading food donations for local families. Parents have commented positively on how proud children are to contribute and take responsibility for helping others. 

The Impact So Far 

Through Global Neighbours, pupils are developing: 

• Greater awareness of global poverty, climate justice and inequality 

• Respect, empathy and understanding for others 

• Confidence in discussing fairness and social responsibility 

• A belief that their actions can make a difference 

• Independence, leadership and decision-making skills 

Children are increasingly able to reflect on the lives of others around the world, connect learning to real-world issues and understand how Christian values can inspire positive action. 

We are proud of the progress we have made so far and look forward to continuing our journey as a school community committed to courageous advocacy, justice and global citizenship.