UNICEF Rights Respecting School
Priory Integrated College is a RRSA Rights Committed school which is on its journey to achieving the RRSA Silver Rights Aware award. At the heart of our integrated ethos is the desire to promote and protect Children’s Rights. Our teaching and non-teaching staff work together as Duty Bearers to ensure our pupils have full access to their rights and promote an environment in which all pupils are respected and nurtured both academically and pastorally.
Our Rights Respecting Steering Group meets to discuss how pupils can educate each other on their rights in school and the rights of children around the world. The Steering Group have been involved in assemblies and also contributing to school policies such as the Behaviour for Learning Plan.
The Charity Committee and Saphara have both been working to raise money to support charities working with children in disadvantaged areas both locally and internationally. Through the generous support of our school community, children from around the world have benefitted from resources which have allowed them to access their right to education and nutritious food. In turn, our pupils have gained valuable insight into how some children are prevented from enjoying rights which we take for granted.
Children’s Rights are woven throughout our academic and pastoral provision. Pupils learn about their rights via curriculum links with subjects such as History and LLW. They also learn about their rights during pastoral support such as assemblies and tutorial.
For more information, visit the UNICEF RRSA website and Youtube videos:
https://www.unicef.org.uk/rights-respecting-schools/
https://www.youtube.com/c/UNICEF/videos
A Rights Respecting School is a place where we can all feel confident with ourselves and it encourages us to use our voice. It has helped me build my confidence. It has helped me raise awareness of injustice in the world.
A pupil from a Rights Respecting Primary School
There are four key areas of impact for children at a Rights Respecting School; wellbeing, participation, relationships and self-esteem. The difference that a Rights Respecting School makes goes beyond the school gates, making a positive impact on the whole community.
Children are healthier and happier
By promoting the values of respect, dignity and non-discrimination, children’s self-esteem and wellbeing is boosted and they are less likely to suffer from stress. A child who understands their rights understands how they and others should be treated and their sense of self-worth is strengthened.
Children feel safe
The Rights Respecting Schools Award gives children a powerful language to use to express themselves and to challenge the way they are treated. They are also able to challenge injustices for other children.
Children have better relationships
Both with their teachers and their peers, based on mutual respect and the value of everyone’s opinion. In a Rights Respecting school children are treated as equals by their fellow pupils and by the adults in the school.
Children become active and involved in school life and the wider world
This builds their confidence to make informed decisions. They have a moral framework, based on equality and respect for all that lasts a lifetime, as they grow into engaged, responsible members of society.