“The Rights Respecting Schools Award puts children’s rights at the heart of schools in the UK.” (https://www.unicef.org.uk/rights-respecting-schools/the-rrsa/about-the-rrsa/)

 

What Do Schools Have to Do to Become a Rights Respecting School?

To achieve the Rights Respecting Schools Award, schools must demonstrate a strong commitment to embedding the rights of the child into every aspect of school life. This involves educating the entire school community about the UNCRC, integrating children’s rights into daily practices, and developing action plans that guide this process.

UNICEF UK assesses the school’s progress at each level of the award, providing feedback that we use, alongside our own evaluations, to further our efforts. At Barr Primary, Mrs. McBirnie leads this important work, supported by the active involvement of all pupils and staff in the decision-making and actions necessary to uphold and promote children’s rights.

The RRSA is made up of 3 levels of achievement – Bronze, Silver and Gold. It is with great pride we announce that we have been awarded our Silver Level Rights Respecting School Award! Thank you to all our pupils, staff and community who helped us get here, especially Mrs McBirnie for spearheading our journey.

Why Do We Want to Be a Rights Respecting School?

• Better Relationships: The RRSA fosters relationships built on mutual respect, where everyone’s opinions are valued equally.
• Happier Children: By promoting the values identified in the UNCRC, children develop stronger self-esteem and wellbeing.
• Active Participants in School: Embedding the UNCRC ensures that children are actively involved in decision-making processes that affect their learning and wellbeing.
• Promotes Global Citizenship: Children learn about global issues and are empowered to raise awareness and drive positive change within their communities and beyond.

What Are We Doing to Embed the UNCRC in Our School?

To ensure that the rights outlined in the UNCRC are embedded in our school, Mrs. McBirnie and the RRS committee have developed a detailed Action Plan. Each classroom has its own class charter, displaying the rights most important to the pupils. These rights are also linked to our school values, showing their integral role in our community.

We regularly hold assemblies and incorporate lessons on children’s rights into our classwork. Teachers integrate the articles of the UNCRC into their Health and Wellbeing planners, ensuring that rights are a core part of our educational approach.

Our Commitment to Mental Wellbeing

At Barr Primary School, we are deeply committed to promoting mental wellbeing as part of our dedication to the UNCRC and the Rights Respecting Schools initiative. Recognizing the importance of mental health, we organized a comprehensive Mental Health Awareness Week from May 13th-17th, 2024, led by Mrs. McBirnie. This week was filled with activities and events designed to foster positive mental health practices, encourage open discussions about wellbeing, and support our pupils’ emotional and physical health.

Mental Health Awareness Week: May 13th-17th, 2024

• Monday: We kicked off the week with a “Talking Mental Health” assembly, where we introduced the key themes of Mental Health Awareness Week and encouraged pupils to share their thoughts and feelings. This was followed by a live lesson on Mental Health Awareness Week 2024, hosted by BBC Teach, which provided valuable insights into mental health issues and coping strategies. To round off the day, pupils participated in a ‘Move Your Mood’ lesson, emphasizing the connection between physical activity and emotional well-being.
• Tuesday: The focus on mindfulness continued with “Mindful Movement” sessions. Pupils rotated through various stations, each offering a different mindful activity. These sessions were designed to help pupils develop techniques for managing stress and maintaining focus.
• Wednesday: We injected some fun and energy into the week with “Fitness with Mr. Motivator McBirnie.” This lively session encouraged pupils to get active in a fun and supportive environment, showing how physical exercise can boost mood and mental health.
• Thursday: “Wear it Green for Mental Health Day” was a highlight of the week, with everyone in the school dressing in green to raise awareness of mental health issues. The day also featured the Big ‘Green’ Quiz, which not only tested pupils’ knowledge about mental health but also promoted teamwork and community spirit.
• Friday: We closed the week with a focus on healthy living and outdoor activities. Pupils participated in a “Healthy Snack Prep” session, where they made Banana, Raisin, and Oat Cookies, learning about the importance of nutrition for both physical and mental health. The day continued with a walk and picnic, followed by playground games, reinforcing the benefits of fresh air, exercise, and social interaction for overall wellbeing.

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

Mental Health Awareness Week at Barr Primary was not just about participating in activities—it was about fostering a school environment where mental health is openly discussed, and pupils are equipped with the tools they need to support their own wellbeing and that of others. Through these engaging and educational activities, we aim to empower our pupils to take an active role in their mental health and to cultivate a school community that is supportive, understanding, and resilient.

Continuing Our Journey

We are dedicated to promoting the UNCRC within our school and will continue to do so through ongoing training for staff and pupils and the implementation of our Action Plan in reaching Gold.

Join Us in Our Rights Respecting Journey

We invite all members of our school community to support our journey towards becoming a Rights Respecting School. Please talk to your children about what they are learning about the UNCRC and explore how you can be part of this important effort.

For more information about the Rights Respecting Schools Award, visit UNICEF UK’s website by clicking the image below: