Charity & Advocacy
Charity & Courageous Advocacy
“Love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark12: 29-31 NCV)
Our pupils have an excellent grasp of the meaning of belonging to both a local and global community and the sense of responsibility that comes with that belonging. This develops their ability to empathise and make small sacrifices to benefit others. Together, we consider the beauty and fragility of our environment, the actions we take, and the impact those actions may have on the well-being of everyone.
Our school community and curriculum actively embrace a responsibility for the world in which we live.
We are incredibly proud to have achieved Bronze Award status in Christian Aid's Global Neighbours scheme, recognising our wide-ranging steps to love our global neighbour. We are now working towards the Silver Award as we continue to seek meaningful ways to advocate for others and live out our values.
We are committed to fostering a deep sense of responsibility and compassion in our children. Our school community continues to take action in purposeful ways, supporting both local and global causes and demonstrating our care for the world and the people in it.
Supporting Those in Need
Each year, we collect donations for the Swindon Local Food Bank, ensuring that families in our community receive the help they need. In addition, our staff regularly request that, instead of end-of-year gifts, families consider donating to charities—reflecting our commitment to thoughtful giving.
Charity and Awareness Campaigns
We proudly support national charity days such as Children in Need, Comic Relief, Macmillan Cancer Support, and the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, helping to raise both awareness and funds for important causes.
Alongside these, we always have a focus charity, chosen with care and aligned with our school’s vision and values. Our ongoing charity partner is Mary’s Meals, a pupil-chosen charity that provides life-changing meals in schools around the world. Just £19.15 can feed a child for a whole school year. This year, through our efforts, we have helped support 50 children, enabling them to access food and education.
This Year’s Focus Project: Africa Naturally
In partnership with St Mary’s Church, Purton, we have also supported Africa Naturally, a charity working to bring sustainable water solutions to communities in need. Over the year, we held fundraising activities including a Christmas sale of hand-crocheted stockings and a pupil-led 3K Fun Run, raising an incredible £1,251.
With this amount, we were able to build 3 wells—each costing just £400—and continue our commitment to global well-being and sustainability.
Student-Led Advocacy
We celebrate the efforts of our children who take their own initiative to support causes close to their hearts. From cake sales and sponsored events to donating hair or volunteering time, our pupils live out the values of courage, generosity, and empathy.
At Ridgeway Farm CE Academy, courageous advocacy isn’t just talked about—it’s lived out. Our children understand they can make a real difference, and through our collective efforts, they do.
