Ellesmere Port pupils show support for refugee community through powerful project

Students at a primary school in Ellesmere Port recently took part in an inspiring project as part of their education about social justice. As an accredited Rights Respecting School, St Bernard’s RC Primary School strives to inform its students about the Rights of the Child. The ‘Everyone’s Welcome’ project at St Bernard’s explored this topic and how it links to the plight of refugees. Through discussions, research, and reading, children learnt about the experiences of refugees and talked about how they can show their support. Key Stage 1 learnt about Paddington Bear’s journey from Peru to London, focusing on the idea of home and what belongings mean the most to them. After reading ‘The Silence Seeker’, children in Year 3 worked as a team to design something uplifting for those in the refugee community. Together, they created a variety of ‘welcome boxes’ and inside were messages and images representing hope, love, and faith. Classes in Year 5 and 6 expressed their support through creativity. Year 5 utilised their DT skills to create a range of pencil frames; containing written ways they could aid refugees. Year 6 produced pieces of art to reflect freedom after being inspired by the book ‘Dreams of Freedom’. St Bernard’s RC Primary School also created a YouTube video to showcase students’ work and motivate others to spread the word about how the refugee community can be welcomed and assisted. Mrs Julie Le Feuvre, head of school, said: “Everyone’s Welcome was motivating and eye-opening for all involved. Our pupils were very interested in learning about the experiences of refugees and eager to get started on the project. We are so proud of the care, creativity, and kindness that they have demonstrated.”