Firrhill High School Receives UNICEF Award

That the Parliament congratulates Firrhill High School on being awarded the UNICEF Gold Rights Respecting School Award; recognises that Firrhill High School is one of only 12 schools in Scotland, or 34 in the whole of the UK, to attain this; understands that the award is given to schools in the UK that create safe and inspiring places to learn, where children are respected, their talents are nurtured and they are able to thrive, and where those values are embedded in daily school life, giving children the best chance to lead happy, healthy lives and to be responsible, active citizens; notes that the detailed assessors’ report by the Accreditation and Standards Committee found that “It was evident that children’s rights are embedded across the school and underpin every facet of school life” and that recent improvements are “almost entirely attributed to the commitment of the whole school community in embracing a rights respecting approach so wholeheartedly”; recognises the school-wide effort made by the pupils, staff and the headteacher, Graham Hamilton; further recognises the leadership and coordination work done by the school’s Rights Respecting School Group led by Mrs Kerr and comprising Mrs Barnes, Ms Chevrou, Ms Davidson, Ms Lynas, Mr McAlpine, Mr McCartney, Ms Morrant, Mr Pitman, Ms Sharp, Ms Thayne, and Mr Walkinshaw, and encourages all schools to become a Rights Respecting School and ensure that there is a children's rights approach to all aspects of school life.