Highland school receives UNICEF award

A school in Badenoch and Strathspey has become the first school in the Highlands to be presented with the UNICEF Rights Respecting School Award.

The award recently acknowledged to Newtonmore Primary School recognises achievement in putting the UN Convention on the rights of the child at the heart of a school’s planning, policies, practice and ethos.

Welcoming Newtonmore Primary School’s achievement Councillor Bill Fernie, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Committee said: “Congratulations to everyone at Newtonmore Primary school. Developing an understanding of values from an early age and looking outwards beyond your own community is all part of the wider process of education. It will be interesting to see how the school develops further as a Rights Respecting School.”

Linda Cleworth, Acting Head Teacher at Newtonmore Primary explained: “Pupils were seen to be taking lead roles in many areas of the school through the Pupil Council, the eco-committee, the Junior Road Safety Officers, the Rights respecting Steering group and setting up a school bank. They learned about the rights they enjoy but have also reflected on the rights some children in the UK and globally are not allowed to enjoy.”

She added: “The assessor was keen to see how democracy worked in the school and how pupils’ ideas and opinions were taken on board. How pupils have shown awareness of and concern for issues faced by other children was a priority. Pupils frequently instigate fundraising for children with needs whether in the UK – Make a wish or developing countries – Send a Smile – Blue Peter.

“Staff will now look at achieving a Level 2 Award  while P7 pupils will move on to the Kingussie High School where they will be seen as major players in helping the High School achieve its RRSA in the future.”