Rights Respecting School
Intent
At APSOL, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful environment where every child is valued and empowered to reach their full potential. As a UNICEF Rights Respecting School, we place children's rights at the heart of school life and aim to develop responsible, respectful and active citizens who understand their rights and the rights of others.
Through our work, we encourage pupils to use their voice, contribute positively to their community and develop a strong sense of fairness, equality and responsibility.
Implementation
We have achieved the Rights Respecting Schools Silver Award: Rights Aware and continue to embed children's rights throughout our curriculum and school culture.
Our approach is built around:
- Teaching about rights by helping children understand the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
- Teaching through rights by creating a respectful learning environment where children's rights are modelled and upheld.
- Teaching for rights by empowering pupils to become active participants in school life and wider society.
Pupil voice is a key aspect of our work. Through our School Council (article 12) and other leadership opportunities, children are encouraged to share their views, contribute to decision-making and help shape improvements within the school community.
Children explore issues such as equality, diversity, respect, wellbeing and global citizenship through assemblies, curriculum learning and whole-school events such as our termly character education days, helping them develop into thoughtful and informed members of society.
Impact
Our Rights Respecting ethos helps create a positive school culture where children feel safe, respected and listened to.
Our pupils:
- Understand their rights and responsibilities.
- Show respect, empathy and consideration for others.
- Feel confident expressing their views and opinions.
- Take an active role in school life through pupil leadership opportunities.
- Demonstrate a strong sense of fairness, inclusion and belonging.
- Develop the knowledge and attitudes needed to become responsible citizens.
Ultimately, our Rights Respecting work ensures that children leave our school with the confidence, values and understanding needed to make a positive contribution to their communities and the wider world.
