20 | November | 2013 | Torphichen Primary School Blog

It is the primary aim of our school that everyone in our school community should be valued and respected, and that each person is treated fairly. We are a caring community who value the rights of all through mutual trust and respect. We are a Level 1 Rights Respecting School, an award given to schools on behalf of UNICEF.

We believe that by understanding their own rights, children learn to appreciate and uphold the rights of others. Children learn that although they have their rights, they have a responsibility to ensure the right of others are met. At Torphichen Primary School, our children learn about their rights by becoming familiar with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

Children learn the value of a rights based culture by experiencing learning in a community where all adults take responsibility for ensuring that all children enjoy their rights.

Children take on leadership roles within the school and play a full and active part in the decision making processes that help to improve the education provided by the school.

UNICEF is the world’s leading organisation working for children and their rights. In 1989, governments worldwide promised all children the same rights by adopting the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). These rights are based on what a child needs to survive, grow, participate and fulfil their potential.

The ‘Rights Respecting School’ award (RRSA) will help our pupils to grow into confident, caring and responsible young citizens both in school and within the wider community. By learning about their rights our pupils, your children, also learn about the importance of respecting the rights of others i.e. their responsibilities.

Torphichen Primary School pupils, staff and parents donned a spectacular array of ‘onesies’ to raise money for Children in Need.

Tigers, bears, aliens and even Pudsey took to the street of Torphichen on Friday 15^th November for a sponsored ‘Onesie Walk’, which the Rights Respecting Committee organised. Along with the sale of Children in Need keyrings and wrist bands, our final total was a staggering £1250.77. This is the highest amount of money raised for a single charity by the pupils.

The Rights Respecting Committee also organised a ‘Pudsey Patch’ design competition, where pupils were given an eye patch to decorate and wear on the walk. Primary 6 pupil Lana Morrison was selected by the Committee as the winning design, with Hanna Ward (P5) and Kirsty Taylor (P2) as runners up.

As well as raising money for Children in Need, the sponsored walk highlight that every child has the right to medical care and to participate fully in activities even if they are disabled.

Thank you to all parents, grandparents, extended family and friends who sponsored the pupils for this wonderful cause! Also a wee thank you to all of those who turned out to watch us on our walk, especially our very own ‘Tony the Tiger!’ Who know who you are!!