The accolade reflects the school's commitment to fostering a culture of respect, understanding and advocacy for children's rights.

The Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA) recognises achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child at the heart of the school’s planning, policies and practice.

Unicef works with schools in the UK to create safe and inspiring places to learn, where children are respected, their talents are nurtured and they are able to thrive.

The report for Knowetop Primary highlighted many strengths including a clear commitment to children’s rights and to RRSA from leaders at all levels tied to the vision and ethos of the school. 

The relationship between school staff and families is very strong with a high level of participation from parents in the work on rights and the overall life of the school.

Headteacher Gordon Murray said: “I am extremely proud of the whole Knowetop community who have worked hard over the last eight years to embed a rights-based approach which has had a positive impact on our school culture.”

The final report praises the school for engaging with the Global Goals, OutRight and the Youth Advocacy Toolkit in taking action to uphold their rights and the rights of others. 

This is echoed by Janine McAlister, the school's RRSA coordinator who added: “Our children have always been articulate, but now they have that voice to lead initiatives.”

Children spoke of being able to shape their learning, from choices over topics to being able to use different technologies. 

Pupils feel like they have influence over curriculum development itself through questionnaires and pupil groups.  They also said that they felt listened to, that their views matter and that they could make a positive difference. 

Primary 7 pupil Ollie Malcolm said, “Through our suggestion boxes, we have created opportunities for lunchtime clubs led by Primary 7 pupils which  has helped to support younger children by providing a variety of clubs for them to participate in.”

Councillor Angela Campbell, Convener of Education, Children and Families said: “Congratulations to everyone involved at Knowetop on securing this prestigious award.

“It reflects how hard the entire school community has worked hard to reach these goals and they should be incredibly proud of their efforts.”

The school is now looking forward to their next steps in developing their ambassadorial role and working with other schools to promote embedding rights into policy and practice.