We have successfully achieved the Unicef UK Level 2 (Silver Award) award for our rights-respecting work. We are currently working towards the Rights Respecting Gold Award
What is the Rights Respecting Schools Award?
The Unicef UK Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA) supports schools across the UK to teach children about human rights and embed them in school culture. The award recognises a school’s efforts and achievements in putting the Rights of the Child at the heart of a school’s practice. This work improves pupils’ well-being and understanding of issues around the world. It also contributes to helping all children realise their potential.
What does the Award involve and what does it look like in Crynallt Primary?
At Crynallt Primary our Rights Respecting journey is led by Mrs Day and Miss Roberts. The Rights Respecting Council help them and they work with the School Council, Bronze Ambassadors, Digital Council and Eco Council as well.
Schools are required to implement three strands that cover teaching and learning about the rights, through the rights and for the rights.
Strand A: Teaching and learning about rights
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is made known to the children and adults in school, who use this knowledge and understanding to work for improved child wellbeing, school improvement, global justice and sustainable living. This could include learning about the impact of pollution, conflict, discrimination, poverty or lack of education. All the children in school learn about the rights, at a level that is appropriate to their age and ability. For example: Reception pupils may learn about rules in school and link this to The Right to be Safe, whilst Year 6 pupils may learn about child labour and link this to The Right to an Education.
Strand B: Teaching and learning through rights – ethos and relationships
Actions and decisions affecting children are rooted in, reviewed and resolved through rights. Children, young people and adults collaborate to develop and maintain a school community based on equality, dignity, respect, non-discrimination and participation; this includes learning and teaching in a way that respects the rights of both educators and learners and promotes wellbeing. It may also include developing pupils voice; that is listening to the ideas and opinions of pupils in school. In Crynallt Primary School our children contribute to decisions made about the playground, school clubs and the content of topics. They also benefit from Wellbeing Weeks, a range of strategies to support them emotionally and Philosophy for Children lessons which allow them to discuss ‘big’ questions.
Strand C: Teaching and learning for rights – participation, empowerment and action
Children are empowered to enjoy and exercise their rights and to promote the rights of others locally and globally. They may do this through assemblies, meetings, within lessons and at home. A good example of this work in Crynallt is the recent Rights Respecting Film made in collaboration with the Arts Council of Wales: