PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FOR DUNNOTTAR
A STONEHAVEN Primary school is celebrating after being presented with a prestigious award.
Dunnottar Primary was presented with UNICEF's Rights Respecting School Award last week by David Innes, Curriculum for Excellence Officer, after inspectors from the organisation visited the school.
A special presentation assembly was held last Tuesday to celebrate the award which recognises children knowing what rights and responsibilities they have.
The RRSA scheme started in 2004 and is now running in more than 1,000 primary and secondary schools in the UK, however very few schools in Scotland have managed to achieve the award. The RRSA initiative uses the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and highlights the need for young people to develop an awareness to act for global justice. Benefits of working towards the award include enhancing moral development, improving behaviour in classrooms and greater job satisfaction for teachers.
In the RSSA charter of thirteen articles that the youngsters at the school have to abide by it states that the charter "applies to all pupils and staff at Dunnottar Primary School, whatever their race, religion, abilities; whatever they think or say, whatever type of family they come from."
Some of the rights and responsibilities of the children include: "Dunnottar pupils who break school rules have the right to be treated with fairness and respect but should take responsibility for their actions and the subsequent consequences their actions bring," and "all organisations working with Dunnottar pupils should work towards what is best for each child. Each child has a responsibility to strive to do their best for all organisations."
Mr Innes said that the assessors were "highly impressed" by what they saw when they visited the school. He added: "We were made to feel very welcome by all concerned and everyone we met was so proud of their school as they told us the sort of work they are involved with. Not only did all have a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities but also this translated into all aspects of their work, play and relationships. It was a delightful visit to a wonderful school – and it ended so well with a very appropriate assembly for the whole school.
"A great many people will have put in a lot of time to prepare for our visit and to take forward the opportunities we heard about. I congratulate everyone at Dunnottar in achieving level 1 of the RRSA award and thank you all for representing your school and its community in such a positive way."
A spokeswoman for Aberdeenshire Council said: "Congratulations to Dunnottar Primary, this is a wonderful achievement and the staff and pupils should be very proud."
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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