We are a Fairtrade School!

The Fairtrade Schools Award is a campaign that gives primary and secondary school pupils the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of global issues and the solution that Fairtrade provides to so many farmers and workers in marginalised conditions across the globe. The Fairtrade Schools Award aims to teach children how they can be involved in changing the world around them, encouraging them to know that they can make a difference. By supporting and promoting Fairtrade in their school, they can empower farmers and workers in marginalised countries.

At Kings Copse, we believe that young people are at the heart of Fairtrade both at home and abroad. Through our focus on Fairtrade, we show solidarity with children in poorer countries. When we use Fairtrade products, less fortunate children get a chance to go to school while their families have a brighter future. That connection brings us together in a powerful global movement for change. We are one of nearly 1000 Fairtrade Schools in the UK learning about Fairtrade, supporting it and promoting it in our school and the wider community.

Over the past few years, we have progressed through the three stages of the award, from FairAware through FairActive to, most recently, the FairAchiever Award. We have now fully embedded Fairtrade into our daily life and work and have significantly raised awareness of Fairtrade in our local community.

Our Fairtrade Steering Group – composed of staff, children and representatives from the wider community – have put together a Fairtrade Policy demonstrating our commitment to Fairtrade and what we have done and are doing to support Fairtrade. We regularly ask our learners about their knowledge, attitudes and opinions to refine and improve our work as a Fairtrade School.

Of course, as a FairAchiever School, we use Fairtrade products wherever possible. This includes the tea, coffee and sugar the teachers use in the staff room Fairtrade ingredients in Food Technology lessons and even Fairtrade school uniform, where possible.

Each year, we run a special Fairtrade Fortnight event. This event is different every year but often includes a bake sale, a special assembly, expert visitors, sponsored events and attendance at exhibitions or conferences about global trade. We have also taken our Fairtrade expertise to other schools in our area to show them what we have been up to and help them begin their own Fairtrade journey.

We’re passionate about Fairtrade at Kings Copse because we have seen how learning about such a global issue has enriched our children’s understanding of the world and their role in making it a better place to be.