At Wishaw Academy, we are immensely proud of our journey towards achieving the prestigious Gold Award for the Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA). Our school has always been committed to creating a positive and inclusive environment where students are not only encouraged to excel academically but also to develop as responsible global citizens. Achieving the Silver Award was a significant milestone in this journey, reflecting our dedication to embedding the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) within our school culture.

Our school community has worked collaboratively, with students, staff, and parents, to promote the rights of every child. From classroom discussions to extracurricular activities, we have consistently strived to ensure that students are aware of their rights and are empowered to stand up for themselves and others. We have made great strides in fostering an environment where respect, equality, and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do, and the Silver Award has been a testament to this hard work.

Looking ahead, we are excited to be on the path to achieving the Gold Award in May. This next step in our RRSA journey will build upon the solid foundation we have established, expanding our work and further embedding the UNCRC into every aspect of school life. We are focusing on empowering student leadership, strengthening our efforts in raising awareness of global issues, and ensuring that every voice is heard and valued in the decision-making process.

The Gold Award is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to ensuring that human rights are at the core of our educational ethos. At Wishaw Academy, we believe in not just teaching students about their rights, but also about the importance of advocating for the rights of others both locally and globally. We are excited to continue our journey and are confident that, with the dedication of our entire school community, we will reach our goal of securing the Gold Award and continuing to make a positive difference in the world.

Our Pupil Action Groups (PAGs) play a vital role in making this vision a reality, with each group taking on meaningful projects that highlight and promote children’s rights throughout the year.

The RRSA Group is committed to making a positive impact in our school and local community. One of our key initiatives has been a dog poo campaign, aimed at raising awareness about responsible pet ownership and keeping our environment clean and safe for everyone. With the support of a local councillor, we have been working to encourage better disposal habits. The Media Group has worked on important initiatives such as creating an educational YouTube channel, focusing on internet safety and the impact of social media. They have also educated our rights champions and highlighted key issues like the importance of understanding and respecting children’s rights. The Community Group has engaged with the local community through projects such as World of Work Day, where students learned about different careers and their rights in the workplace. They also created and delivered letters to local businesses, including shops, banks, and even tattoo shops, promoting community involvement and supporting local causes. During the Christmas season, they organised a fundraising campaign to collect donations for the community. The Global Citizenship Group has worked on raising awareness of global issues such as fast fashion, as well as planning events like Holocaust Memorial Day and promoting diversity by inviting leaders of different faiths into the school. The Eco Group has focused on sustainability by creating bird feeders for the school forest, setting up recycling units and properly labelling bins, and raising money through hampers to support environmental efforts. Their initiatives also include promoting “Walk to School Week” to encourage healthier and more sustainable transport options. The Health Group has been instrumental in developing our school’s anti-bullying and “Create Us Safe” policies, as well as introducing the Health Heroes initiative to promote overall well-being. Finally, the Article 31 Group has worked on improving playground facilities by creating a playground policy, organising the school’s playground equipment, and ensuring all staff and students signed the policy to maintain a safe and fun environment for play.

At our school, we believe in fostering a sense of curiosity and enthusiasm for learning from a young age. Our Pupil Interest Groups (PIGs) provide younger students with the opportunity to explore their personal interests in a fun and engaging way. Each child is encouraged to choose the group they are most passionate about, whether that’s exploring the world of STEM through exciting science and technology projects, getting creative in the Art and Craft group, staying active and healthy with the Sports group, diving into the world of books and stories in the Reading group, or expressing themselves through music in the Music group. These groups not only allow children to follow their passions but also promote teamwork, creativity, and the development of new skills in an enjoyable and supportive environment. By offering such a range of activities, we aim to nurture well-rounded, confident learners who are inspired to explore their potential and share their talents with others.

Through these groups, our pupils are empowered to actively engage with their rights, make positive changes, and contribute meaningfully to our school and wider community. By embracing the values of the RRSA, we are shaping a generation of young people who are not only aware of their rights but also motivated to act with kindness, respect, and responsibility towards others, helping to create a school culture where everyone can thrive.