Kilbowie Primary in Clydebank is the first school in West Dunbartonshire to be awarded the title of “Rights Respecting School” by UNICEF.
A Rights Respecting School teaches pupils about their rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and about their responsibility to respect others' rights in all relationships in the community. It also helps pupils learn how to formulate, express and listen to opinions, helping to raise their achievement.
Aileen Rice, head teacher said: “I am proud and delighted to be head teacher in such a wonderful school as Kilbowie Primary. The National Awards we have gained, the Green Flag, International Schools Accreditation and now the Rights Respecting School Award did not happen by chance. These awards have been made because of the outstanding work by the children and adults within the school and also thanks to the co-operation of parents.”
Kilbowie Primary are no strangers to awards having won the Green Flag Award in 2008 and 2010, the International Schools award in 2009 and having come second in the Green Flag award 2010.
Deputy Council Leader and Convener of Education, Councillor Jonathan McColl, said: “I am very pleased for the pupils and staff of Kilbowie Primary who have been working hard towards gaining Rights Respecting status. The initiative teaches children not only about their own rights, but to respect the rights of their families, teachers, friends and neighbours, which will give them an excellent grounding for later life.”
Executive Director of Education, Terry Lanagan added: “This is a great achievement for the pupils and staff, who thanks to this scheme now know how to go about making informed, intelligent decisions. This will hopefully help them become confident, active citizens in the future.”
The award scheme which began in 2004, urges schools to place the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child at the heart of its curriculum, saying it helps pupils boost the quality of their own and their families’ lives by learning what their rights and responsibilities are.
More than 1000 schools are taking part in this scheme across the UK. Schools which have already achieved the award report a reduction in bullying, improved attitudes and a more caring school atmosphere.
For a school to receive the Rights Respecting School Award, they must show evidence that:
· The management has embedded the values of the United Nations Convention on
the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in the life of the school.
· The school has knowledge and understanding of the UNCRC.
· The school has rights respecting classrooms.
· The pupils actively participate in decision-making throughout the school.
