The Brimmond School community was today (Friday 15 March) celebrating a UNICEF UK Gold Award in recognition of the school’s commitment to children’s rights.
The gold award is the ultimate stage, after silver and bronze, of the Rights Respecting Schools Award, and is granted by UNICEF UK, to schools that have fully embedded children’s rights throughout the school in its policies, practice and ethos.
Councillor Martin Greig, the Convener of Aberdeen City Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “Through determination, commitment and the outstanding efforts of pupils, staff and the local community, Brimmond School has been awarded UNICEF UK’s Rights Respecting Schools award at Gold. Everyone involved should be very proud of themselves as this is an outstanding accomplishment.”
Councillor Jessica Mennie, Vice-Convener of Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “This is a huge achievement by the school where the pupils and staff have fully embedded the principles of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the child as second nature at the school.”
Michelle McKay, Head Teacher, Brimmond School, said: “Pupils have taken their understanding of Children’s Rights into the community carrying out local campaigns and also focusing on global events. They have also undertaken a range of fundraising events supporting local and global charities. The journey continues as the children are already thinking about where they can express their voice to make an impact on current issues impacting their community and everyday life.”
The celebration included displays of Rights Respecting work by pupils, a performance of the school song by the school choir, and a piper playing the bagpipes as the Gold Award banner was revealed.
To achieve the Gold Award, Brimmond School showed that:
- it has adopted a child rights approach based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and has embedded it in school policy, practice and culture;
- children, young people and adults in the school have a thorough understanding of child rights, and rights respecting attitudes and language are embedded across the school;
- the Rights Respecting School Award has had a positive impact on children and young people’s learning and wellbeing;
- students see themselves as rights respecting global citizens and are advocates for social justice, fairness and children’s rights at home and abroad.
The Gold Award accreditation is valid for three years, after which time the school can choose to be re-accredited at Gold.
Photo from L-R: Sharon Crichton, Principal Teacher, Brimmond School; Michelle McKay, Head Teacher, Brimmond School; Councillor Martin Greig, Convener of the Education and Children’s Services Committee; are pictured with Brimmond School pupils from the Children’s Rights Respecting Committee.