At St. David’s Primary School, we are incredibly proud to be working towards the Gold Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA) from UNICEF. This award recognises schools that place the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) at the heart of their ethos and curriculum. By integrating these rights into our daily practices, we aim to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all our pupils.
The RRSA helps children learn about their rights and the importance of respecting the rights of others. This understanding enables children to develop a sense of responsibility, empathy, and global citizenship. Our school promotes values such as respect, dignity, and non-discrimination, ensuring every child feels valued and heard.
Achieving this award involves several key steps. Pupils learn about the UNCRC, making sure they know their rights and how to exercise them. Our curriculum includes lessons on topics such as Black Lives Matter, Remembrance Day, Anti-Bullying week and World Kindness Day. Through these lessons, children learn by engaging in interactive activities, discussions, and projects that explore the articles of the UNCRC.
Examples of Rights Respecting work in our school
A crucial part of our journey towards the RRSA is the RRSA Steering Group. This group comprises pupils, staff, governors and parents who work together to drive the initiative forward and ensure that our entire school community is engaged and committed to the Rights Respecting journey. The Steering Committee meets regularly so that the group can:
· Ensure that the whole school is aware of the Rights Respecting Schools Award.
· Provide a link between children, teachers, governors and the whole school community.
· Regularly feedback to the school community about progress, including to the Senior Leadership Team, governors, staff and parents.
· Prepare for the assessment by collating evidence and being able to meet with the assessor.
Some examples of the work of the RRSA Steering Group:
- The RRSA supplied a pocket book of rights for both children and their parents to help them understand and raise awareness of the UNCRC.
- The Steering Group has taken part in local, national and international fundraising campaigns for the local foodbank in Moreton, Children in Need and UNICEF.
We also engage with parents, carers, and the wider community, raising awareness about children’s rights and encouraging a collective effort to uphold these principles. Through various activities, assemblies and events, we celebrate our progress and highlight the importance of respecting everyone’s rights.
By striving for the Rights Respecting Schools Award, we are committed to creating a nurturing and empowering environment for the children in our school, preparing them to be responsible global citizens and ensuring that their rights are respected, protected and promoted.