Rights Respecting School

RRS_logo

Damers is a Rights Respecting School

What is the Rights Respecting Schools Award?

The Rights Respecting School Award (RRSA) is an initiative run by UNICEF UK, which encourages schools to place the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) at the heart of its ethos and curriculum. As a Rights Respecting School we not only teach about children’s rights, we also model rights and respect in all our relationships, whether between children or between children and adults.

The initiative started in 2004 and is running in over 600 schools in the UK (primary and secondary).  It has demonstrated a positive impact on child well-being, achievement and participation.  Also we have witnessed the effect on children’s attitudes, behaviour and global awareness.  All the values associated with being a Rights Respecting School enhance our inclusive, caring school atmosphere.

Why is the award important to Damers?

At Damers we promote the language of rights and responsibilities, based on the Convention on the Rights of the Child which empowers them to relate to each other better and to engage in decision-making more collaboratively. Through this award we have developed our Pupil Voice initiative where children can express their views and opinions and be fully involved in decision making in our school.

Our School Charter reflects the Rights and Responsibilities of our whole school community and runs like a thread through all aspects of school life. For children and young people, knowing that they have the right to be heard in decisions which affect them boosts not only their sense of security but also their self-confidence. This opens the way to developing and applying the skills, language and concepts that allow them to realise their rights and to advocate for the rights of children everywhere.

Our School Charter

  1. We have the right to be safe and a responsibility to work and play in a safe way.

  2. We have a right to be healthy and cared for and a responsibility to look after ourselves and others.

  3. We have a right to learn and a responsibility to be ready to learn.

  4. We have a right to do well and a responsibility to try our best.

  5. We have a right to make choices and be heard and a responsibility to think and listen.