Harmans Water Primary School, Bracknell respects the rights of others, according to a UNICEF initiative.
The Bracknell Forest school has achieved the UNICEF Level 1 award as a “Rights Respecting School”. The award, an initiative by UNICEF, is based on children having an awareness of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Having learnt about their rights, the pupils at Harmans Water Primary have come to understand that rights bring responsibilities. For example, the right for children to receive a good education gives all children the responsibility to listen, to take part and to do their best.
To this end, all classes have discussed and devised their own 'class charter', where they have all agreed a set of rules and the responsibilities that come with them.
Michael Harris, Harmans Water Primary School headteacher, said: "We have found that respect for each other and general behaviour around our school has improved dramatically. Our pupils have become aware that their actions have an immediate impact on others. It has given our children a voice.
"It has improved their self-esteem and their belief that their school cares about them. It has broadened their global knowledge and made them question political issues happening around the world.”
Governors, parents, dinner staff and teaching staff have worked hard to drive this whole school initiative.
Anne Smith, co-ordinator of the project at the Bracknell school, said: “This is not just a certificate, trophy or a plaque for our wall, it’s a working document - an ethos. With everyone on board, we all can benefit from the Rights Respecting Initiative."
Harmans Water Primary School is now working towards the Level 2 award. This not only reinforces the Level 1 bench marks, but raises the profile of global issues affecting children’s rights and makes valuable links with the local community.
Mrs Smith said: "The children should emerge from our school as well informed, responsible and caring young people."
The Bracknell primary school recently hosted a training day for more than 140 colleagues from local schools, all of whom are interested in, or are already working towards their own UNICEF “Rights Respecting School” awards. With presentations by school children and with guest speakers including the Head of Education for UNICEF Edward Waller, the day was deemed a great success by all.
Cllr Alan Kendall, Executive Member for Education, said: “Congratulations to Michael and his team for being the first primary school to reach Level 1: Rights Respecting School.
Bracknell Forest Borough Council