Highland One World
Global Learning Centre
“I really enjoyed how interactive it was – the balance of new info, participatory activities and engaging discussions in break out rooms. I’ve come away with lots of great ideas in use in class. Thank you!”
We’ll be delivering a very similar online course nationally, ‘Rights, Schools and Participation’ on 14 & 21 March if you missed this one!
Pauline Pearson joined our first session to share their recent rights-respecting journey. It was inspiring to hear how they support learners, and families, to explore a ‘Right of the Fortnight’ through Book Creator books, and also about their Themed Thursdays when children learn about SDGs and rights through Pixar and Disney films.
Crossroads Primary in Thurso has been using a Rights-based approach since 2020 and in 2021 achieved a Silver Rights Respecting Schools Award. Pauline Pearson, the Headteacher, started making interactive online books for each article of the UNCRC during the first lockdown, so pupils could learn about a ‘Right of the Fortnight’ with families and undertake a related ‘challenge’.
There are now books for nearly all the articles, and also books on a rights-based approach to events like Safer Internet Day, Black History Month and Anti-Bullying Week. The school uses the online App ‘Book Creator’ which is fantastic for being able to share what is being taught with the wider community. All the books can be viewed here
Staff at the school have noticed that the Rights are now ingrained in everyday learning. Children mention them frequently in their work. For example, they wrote letters to persuade those in power to take action to stop fireworks displays in support of workers’ rights and the environment, and were delighted to receive a reply from Maree Todd, MSP.
The school has Themed Thursdays where children learn about Sustainable Development Goals and Rights with the aid of Pixar and Disney. This fortnight was Finding Nemo, looking at life below water and coral bleaching (SDG 14), the rights of people (fish!) with disabilities, and the right to make your own choices and have your own views – like Nemo did with some adult guidance (UNCRC Articles 23 and12).
Huge thanks to Pauline for sharing her enthusiasm on all things ‘rights’ during the course