Knockevin School
together we can achieve more
Rights Respecting Schools
We are extremely proud to be a Gold 'Rights Respecting School'. This is an award given to schools by UNICEF, a leading organisation for children and their rights. It recognises the work that duty-bearers (normally teachers, staff and other adults) do to ensure that all children can access their rights as defined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
​
A rights-respecting school not only teaches about children's rights but also models rights and respect in all its relationships: between staff and pupils, between staff and between pupils.
The 'Rights Respecting School Award' (RRSA) helps our pupils grow into thoughtful, respectful and responsible young members of the school and wider community. By learning about their rights, our children also learn about the importance of respecting the rights of others.
The UNCRC runs throughout Knockevin School life and is referenced in strategic planning as well as in lessons and assemblies where appropriate. Our School Development Plan is explicitly linked to the CRC. We have a book of rights that was created by pupils and is given to each new pupil or staff member.
​
Article 42 states that, "Governments must actively work to make sure that children and adults know about the convention." To help the children learn about their rights, they are present across our school environment and pupils are given real examples of rights in action.
Rights in Action
​
As duty bearers, staff in Knockevin ensure that children's rights are referenced in policies and we regularly introduce key initiatives to focus on upholding the rights of our pupils. A recent example is the implementation of ‘Good Morning Knockevin’, ensuring that every child starts the day with a free healthy breakfast, time to relax and move and the opportunity to socialise with peers (Articles 24, 31 and 15, setting them up to be able to access their education (Article 28).
​
Our Article 31 Project started with a small group of pupils, providing access to cultural experiences through trips to the theatre. This has developed to include all pupils throughout the school’s sites and has led to a longstanding relationship with inclusive theatre company ‘Replay’. All pupils attended an off site theatre trip at Christmas which was amazing to experience! We are thankful to the MAC Theatre and Down Arts Centre for working with us to make this happen.
​
In Knockevin we have charters in each classroom, developed by the pupils themselves. They reference rights and responsibilities and are reviewed and refreshed each term. We also have a school charter that is prominently displayed at each site.
Student Council and Child Rights Defenders
​
As rights holders, the views of the pupils are very important to us and the UNCRC focuses our discussions with the student council. The children's ideas are sought and acted upon. You will see outcomes from recent student council initiatives in playground developments and our uniform – the updated policy is available on our website.
​
We hold regular council meetings to discuss school and to seek pupil’s feedback. Once elected, the council members begin the school year by discussing their rights and setting priorities for the year ahead. They take the views of their peers and work alongside the Rights Respecting Schools lead to ensure that the children’s views are represented across the school’s 3 sites. This year we introduced a Head Boy and Girl and some prefects at our Dundrum site to ensure that the views of our very youngest pupils are taken into account.
​
Pupil voice groups learn about their views and rights and develop an understanding of democracy via participation in elections, meetings with politicians and visits to places like the NI Assembly, council and City Hall. We also have strong links with the student councils at Down High and the Assumption and enjoy joint meetings and visits to their schools.
