Global Neighbours provides a framework that enables us to weave a global perspective into our curriculum provision so that the children of St Mark's are equipped to become active global citizens.

The aim is to increase pupils’ understanding of the root causes of poverty and injustice, as well as engage and empower pupils as agents of change in the transformation of our world.

Global Neighbours helps us to advance the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development of our pupils, strengthen the ‘promotion of fundamental British values’, promote critical thinking across the curriculum, and strengthen links with the local community.

Global Neighbours also enhances our Religious Education provision in schools by increasing pupils’ knowledge and understanding about why and how Christians, along with people of other faiths and those of no faith, want to change the world to one where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty.

We have chosen to use Global Neighbours as a platform to develop and showcase our pupils' work, demonstrating how we are becoming active global citizens and courageous advocates for change in the world, from a local to global level.

It is also another way of showing how we, at St Mark's, are fulfilling the Church of England’s Vision for Education that is ‘deeply Christian, serving the common good’ as well as supporting our work on character development (hope, aspiration and courageous advocacy) found within the SIAMS inspection framework.

Below are some of the ways we are engaging with our local, national and global community, to bring about change that makes a lasting difference:

Charity Champions

At St Mark's, we are learning what it means to intentionally live out our Christian vision and our our FACE Values (Forgiveness, Aspiration, Compassion and Engagement). In doing so, we seek to change the world for the better.

To this end, our children learn to become courageous advocates for justice by providing opportunities for them to understand local, national and global issues and, in turn, respond by finding ways to make a difference.

Once we have decided how we want to respond to issues of injustice, we ask ourselves 3 questions:

 - What are we doing?

 - Why are we doing it?

 - What is the impact?

These 3 questions inform our rationale for taking action which is then communicated to our whole school community so that everyone has this shared understanding.

See below some of the ways we been 'Courageous Advocates'!

What are we doing?

The theme of our day: Funny is Power, Happiness and Laughter!

Come to school in our own home clothes that made us feel happy with the option of having crazy hair for the day. Have fun together and learn about the impact our money will have on the lives of others. 

Why are we doing it?

One of our FACE Values is Compassion and our key Bible story for this value is 'The Parable of the Good Samaritan'. We don't want to be people who 'walk on by' those who need out help. We want to join in with the amazing work that is happening to end poverty and make the world a fairer place. 

What's the impact?

Your donations help to fill the shelves of baby banks, community food centres, fund vital community-led services like health workers, local youth safe-spaces, and ensure safe passage for people escaping danger.

What are we doing?

We are getting into the Christmas spirit and wearing our Christmas Jumpers to raise money for Save the Children.

Why are we doing it?

Our FACE Value 'Engage' reminds us to play our part and engage in what is going on in the world around us. We know that Christmas time is a really hard time for many people and, our by wearing our Christmas Jumpers, we are reminded 'spread the wonder of Christmas' and to show generosity to others.

What's the impact?

By dressing up and being silly we will be helping kids facing serious issues like war, hunger and poverty.

Community Links

We have developed strong links with Whittington House, a local Residential Home. We have sung for the residents on many occasions and have kept the links strong through sending cards and letters.

These intergenerational relationships bring joy to us all - it's a really powerful way of learning from and with those in our community, no matter what the age gap!

We hope to visit again very soon.

As a school community, we gathered together to give thanks for and remember those who gave their lives so that we may know peace and freedom today. After a short introduction about the significance of this time, the Last Post was played (by our very own Mr Sim!) and the children observed two minutes’ silence with utmost respect and sensitivity. We then reflected on how we can be people who bring peace to others, wherever we go. Thank you to all those who were able to buy poppies. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are suffering at this time; may we bring peace, hope and love to others.

We enjoy excellent links with St Mark's Church and, as part of this, the church community provides superb opportunities for the children to deepen their understanding of the Christian festivals through Experience Journeys.

Within each 'Journey' the children are encouraged to think about the significance of these festivals spanning across all race and culture, for those who have a little or a lot, adults and children, whatever fears or doubts we may have: the good news message is the same for all.

As a result of this and as a way of showing our school value in focus at the time (Hope), the children asked to collect for the local Food Bank: we collected essential goods as well as Christmas treats to bring hope to the lives of people living so close to use.

At St Mark's, we celebrate our differences. As we marked Anti-bullying Day by celebrating our differences, we reflected on what makes each of us unique and how this helps us to live out our school vision: Growing together, becoming all we are created to be.

Picture News is a very important part of our curriculum. Through class discussions, children are able to reflect on global events and speak with an increased awareness of the impact these events can have on others. This time is invaluable to provide children with a voice and for them to recognise that it is our world where we all matter.

It allows opportunities for our children to learn about our world, develop independence, resilience, respect and unlock their own drive and passion for learning. Teaching the news not only provides great content and stimulus and grips children’s attention, it is also something that the children can impact. It is current, happening now and so their voice is given meaning and purpose.

Children are exposed to a range of current issues including political, religious, cultural, environmental, social, moral and spiritual. Picture news also makes meaningful, relevant links to our British Values, encouraging children to demonstrate respect and tolerance.

Recent examples of discussions include: 

Is it ever fair to judge others on their appearance?

Chinese authorities have banned footballers from getting tattoos and instructed national team players who already have tattoos to remove them or cover them up to set a “good example”.

Should rules be the same for everyone?

Men’s world number one tennis player, Novak Djokovic has won his appeal against his recent visa cancellation, meaning he is potentially free to play in the Australian Open tournament.

Should everyone learn sign language?

Rose Ayling-Ellis, profoundly deaf winner of Strictly Come Dancing, has called for change regarding BSL’s legal status in the UK and said she had spoken to Labour MP Rosie Cooper about her Bill in Parliament.

Do you think it is important for us to know the history of our universe?

The $10bn (£7.45bn) James Webb Space Telescope, thought to be one of the most impressive and ambitious, has been successfully launched into space on top of a huge rocket.

A selection of the children's responses are recorded in our classes' Spirituality Books each week.

Eco Champions

We have Eco Champions in school who are committed to improving our School environment. We aim too:

• Increase Biodiversity in School increasing awareness of the different habitats around school.
• Increase knowledge of the flora and fauna on the school site.
• Litter picking in the local area.

• We have been collecting donated clothing, bags and shoes for the Rags to Riches. We use our unwanted fabric to help others instead of adding to landfill, whilst raising money for the school in the process