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Unicef Gold Rights Respecting School

                            We are proud to be a Rights Respecting Gold Accredited School (June 2023)

Please read our report below.            

                                   

What is a Rights Respecting School?

The Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA) is an award given to schools on behalf of UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s fund, who are the world’s leading organisation working for children and their rights.

In 1989, governments worldwide promised all children the same rights by adopting the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) - see below.  These rights are based on what a child needs to survive, grow, participate and fulfil their potential.

We hold events throughout the year that help our children to celebrate and enact their rights (see below for pictures).

What is meant by a right?

Rights are the basic human needs that apply to everybody. Rights are not the same as needs.

The Convention of the Rights of the Child consists of 54 articles. The key provisions are:

  • The right to a childhood (including protection from harm)
  • The right to be educated (including children being encouraged to reach the highest standard of education of which they are capable)
  • The right to be healthy (including having clean water, nutritious food and medical care)
  • The right to be treated fairly (which includes changing laws and practices that discriminate against children)
  • The right to be heard (which includes considering the views of childre

Why do children need to learn about their rights?

  • In signing the UNCRC, governments have a responsibility to make children and adults aware of these rights.
  • They should be helped to exercise their rights.
  • They should be able to enforce their rights.

What do our children say?

"One of our rights is the right to relax and play. Our school has worked hard to arrange lots of different activities for us at lunchtime. There are so many things to do now, and we use all the school grounds, not just the field. Our lunchtimes are so much better! " - Year 6

"It's really important to know your rights. We need to know them as children and know how to put them into action." - Year 6

"Our school values are important to us. We talk a lot about being kind and respectful.  We respect each other's right to learn." - Year 6

Why does learning about rights compliment the aims of our school?

In a Rights Respecting School, children are taught to understand their own rights and learn to appreciate and respect the rights of others.

This supports their development into responsible, confident young citizens both in school and the wider community.

How are children being taught the rights?

We have been discussing the convention through various activities including assemblies, sessions in class and supporting the children to create displays about rights and responsibilities.  Every two weeks, a new 'Right of the Fortnight' is introduced.  This runs through the children's learning in PSHE and assembly (see below).

How can parents support what children are learning about the Convention at school?

The learning of rights, respect, and responsibility begins at home.

In addition, you could:

  • Discuss the ideas learnt in class or examples from your own experiences or from the media, of rights being respected or denied
  • Discuss how your child or your family can promote respect for rights, or help those whose rights have been violated around the world.
  • Ask your child’s opinion on children’s rights