Cullivoe pupils celebrate getting it right

Staff and pupils at the Cullivoe School in Yell have recently achieved their Level 1 Rights Respecting Schools Award.

They are the fourth Shetland school to do so, joining the Sandwick Junior High School, and Feltar and Sound primaries.

The awards recognise the work done within a school to make sure that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is at the heart of how they work.

Pupils at Cullivoe have been learning about their rights, and the responsibility of adults to meet those rights.

They have been comparing how their rights are met to the experiences of other children around the world, learning what global citizenship is, and the part the school can play in that.

All adults and children in the school have agreed on a charter which helps to promote a culture of respect, and adults at the school are tasked with modelling this.

Unicef representatives assessed the school using internet video-call service Skype, when pupils were able to speak about the work they had done.

Head teacher Claire Lawson said: “I’m so pleased for the staff and pupils that we’ve achieved our Level 1 RRSA. We’ve done a lot of work to make sure RRSA is part of all aspects of school life, and it has a really positive influence on what we do.

“Parents and the community have been very supportive, and our work will continue towards achieving Level 2 before too long. We’re also hoping to work with other schools to help them become rights respecting.”

The work a school does includes valuing the rights enjoyed in the UK to basic amenities like clean air, water and education, which are taken for granted in developed countries. The rights to dignity, liberty, security, confidentiality and individuality are also taught.

Chairwoman of SIC education and families committee Vaila Wishart said: “It’s vitally important that our children understand their rights and responsibilities in life, and get an insight into the experiences of young people across the world. Well done to Cullivoe’s pupils, staff and parents; I wish them well as they work towards achieving the next level.”