Diocese of Chichester

Bronze global award for Bognor pupils

The environment and social equality were just two of the big themes that pupils from South Bersted Church of England Primary School focused on to achieve a Global Neighbours Award.

Global Neighbours is an accreditation scheme, run by Christian Aid, a worldwide charity, in partnership with the Church of England’s Education Office. With free training and resources, Global Neighbours helps schools develop a culture of courageous advocacy.

Deputy Headteacher at South Bersted, Rachel Bush was the lead for the project in the school which gained a Bronze Award. She said: “One aspect that drives our school vision is to create 21^st-century global citizens and as a result, we ensure our curriculum has opportunities for children to respond to global events.

“We want to equip our children to have the courage to stand up for injustice and social inequality whenever they see it. We feel that children will gain a greater understanding of the world and feel empowered.

To gain accreditation the schools must meet specific criteria. South Bersted was highly commended for its Bronze award. Comments included:

• Teaching and learning across the school is providing a strong basis to develop pupils’ understanding of Global Citizenship with several curriculum initiatives providing pupils with opportunity to ask ‘big questions’ including some surrounding refugee status.
• Collective worship is providing opportunities for pupils to reflect on global issues on a regular basis. This is through special assemblies and the ongoing collective worship plan which links Picture News to consider global issues. There are examples where the content of assemblies has influenced pupils’ choices and responses.
• It is pleasing that pupils are given opportunities to engage in informed action. Whilst many of these have been focused fund raising activities the range of issues considered is wide.
• There are encouraging starts to pupils sharing their learning with the wider school community. This has been achieved by hosting events and exhibitions within school, including a Fairtrade café.
• A particular strength is that staff development, linked to performance management has been implemented. This strategy aims to empower staff to encourage increased pupil engagement in courageous advocacy.

“We use tools such as Philosophy for Children to ensure children can communicate their views and opinions and make use of the big questions, such as, are we Destroying Our Planet? And Should We Buy Fairtrade?”

“South Bersted school's journey is now to make links with schools and organisations in other countries and try to further our impact through our local community.”

The scheme is open to all primary schools in England and Wales, regardless of faith. Schools can apply for three levels of accreditation:Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

You can find out how your school can create global citizens, by visiting the Global Neighbours website here