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Rights Respecting School

George Mitchell School Primary Phase has started its journey to put the
United Nations Convention of the Rights of a Child (UNCRC) at the heart of
their school ethos, policies and principles.

In January 2016, the Primary Phase applied for the Recognition of
Commitment to show UNICEF that we are committed to embedding the
UNCRC in our school community.

What is the Rights Respecting Schools Award?

The Unicef UK Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA) supports schools across the UK to embed children’s human rights in their ethos and culture.

The award recognises achievement in putting the UN Convention on the Right of the Child (UNCRC) at the heart of a school’s practice to improve wellbeing and help all children realise their potential.

The award is based on principles of equality, dignity, respect, non-discrimination and participation. The initiative started in 2006 and schools involved in the Award have reported a positive impact on relationships and well-being, leading to better learning and behaviour, improved academic standards and less bullying.

What impact does achieving the Rights Respecting School Award (RRSA) aim to have?

On our school

  • RRSA is not an initiative, but instead provides an overarching set of values that improve the climate for learning and within which other initiatives can sit
  • A deeper and more cohesive way of working
  • Improved relationships with pupils and a reduced hierarchical divide between staff and pupils, due to a common rights-respecting language

On our children

  • Improved self-esteem and feelings of being valued and listened to
  • Increased levels of respect for each other, leading to improved relationships with other pupils and with staff
  • A sense of security as rights-respecting language and behaviour is used consistently throughout the school
  • Improved attainment and attendance, and a reduction in exclusions
  • An understanding and respect of religions, cultures, beliefs and abilities different to their own
  • A wider and deeper understanding of the world in which they live.

On our adults

  • Strengthened collaborative working
  • Increased consultative approach with other adults and pupils
  • A sense of ownership in developing an approach that meets the needs and aspirations of the school as a whole
  • A sense that the whole school is working towards a common goal, leading to feelings of empowerment for both staff and pupils
  • A platform is developed for parental engagement and discussion.

You can read more about the award and the United Nations Convention of the Rights of a Child (UNCRC) in the document below.