St John the Evangelist CE Primary School - Rights Respecting School

Rights Respecting School

St John the Evangelist CE (VA) Primary School is a Rights Respecting School.

In July 2021, St Johns School was awarded the Bronze Award in acknowledgement of the work done so far in raising awareness of the National Conventions on the Rights of the Child.

Unicef works with schools in the UK to create safe and inspiring places to learn, where children are respected, their talents are nurtured and they are able to thrive. Whilst working towards achieving the first stage of this award we have ensured the Rights Respecting philosophy is embedded within the values of our school life and gives the children the best chance to lead happy, healthy lives and to be responsible, active citizens.

Using the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) as our guide, we are working with more UK schools than almost any other organisation. Over 1.6 million children in the UK go to a Rights Respecting School and nearly 5,000 schools up and down the country are working through the Award. Schools work with us on a journey to become fully Rights Respecting.

The Award recognises a school’s achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into practice within the school and beyond.

The Pupils reflected on the importance of understanding the different articles.

‘It’s important because young lives need to be treated properly otherwise it can effect the rest of their life. A child needs to know their rights.’

‘It is important that children know they cannot be abused and that they do have a voice.’

‘It is important so children know what their rights are and so they can protect and stand up for themselves. Also, to make sure you are treated fairly as a child.’

‘It is important because we should know things that protect you from harm.’

‘I think its is important as it gives children the power to stand up for themselves.’

‘I think it is important that we know we have the right to be respected.’

‘I think it is important that children have their say.’

‘I think it is important because in the future we can help children who aren’t being treated by their rights.’

‘It is important to know that every child has the same rights.’

‘It is important to know our rights. It is also good to know that people respect children and want us to have these rights.’

Quotes from Year 5 and Year 6 pupils at St John's.

Learning about our Rights

During the Autumn Term, pupils and staff have reflected on national and international events and how they link to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

World Literacy Day

What is it: International Literacy Day, UNESCO reminds the international community of the status of literacy and adult learning globally.
Rights Link: Article 29: Goals of education

The International Day of Democracy

What is it: It was established by the UN in 2007 as an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world. In particular, the day celebrates the values of freedom, respect for human rights and the principle of holding genuine elections by universal suffrage.
Rights Link: Article 12: Respect for the views of the child

World Peace Day

What is it: The International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations in 1981 as a day ‘devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples’.
Rights Link: Article 38: War and armed conflicts

World Mental Health Day

What is it: The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on 10 October every year. This year’s theme set by the World Federation for Mental Health is psychological first aid and the support people can provide to those in distress.
Rights Link: Article 24: Health and health services; Article 25: Review of treatment in care

Black History Month

What is it: United Kingdom for remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African diaspora.
Rights Link: Article 30: Children from minority or indigenous groups

Armistice Day

What is it: Day commemorates the signing of the armistice between the Allies and Germany at 11 am on 11 November 1918 – the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
Rights Link: Article 38: War and armed conflicts

Anti-bullying Week

What is it: Anti-Bullying Week is an annual UK event in the third week in November which aims to raise awareness of bullying of children and young people, in schools and elsewhere, and to highlight ways of preventing and responding to it.
Rights Link: Article 2: Non-discrimination