At Wistaston Church Lane Academy we describe our school as: Welcoming Community, Limitless Aspirations.
Welcoming – a truly inclusive school where there are ‘no outsiders’ and we treat each child as a valued individual
Community – we look at how our actions and words can reflect positively on others, not just ourselves
Limitless – we never put a ceiling on learning and encourage everyone to ‘try everything’
Aspirations – we ensure individuals have a sense of purpose, motivation and direction in life.
Our three Golden Rules are followed by all pupils and staff in our every day learning and behaviour at school:
We aspire to be a school where children's rights are central to our ethos and culture, where students' well-being is enhanced, and where each child's gifts and abilities are fully developed.
We have now achieved the first stage of the Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA), Bronze: Rights Committed, from UNICEF UK.
At WCLA, we are constantly working to provide the best possible learning environment for our students, and our participation in this initiative demonstrates our commitment to promoting and realising children's rights, as well as encouraging adults, children, and young people to respect the rights of others in the classroom.
There are three strands to the Rights Respecting School Award: teaching about rights, teaching through rights and teaching for rights.
Furthermore, the award is underpinned by four principles:
1. Non-discrimination
2. Commitment to the best interests of the child
3. The right to life, survival and development
4. Respect for the views of the child
UNICEF is the world’s leading organisation working for children and young people and their rights. In 1989, governments across the world agreed that all children have the same rights by adopting the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). These rights are based on what a child needs to survive, grow, participate and fulfil their potential.
Wistaston Church Lane Academy pupils will learn about their rights by putting them into practice every day. A Rights Respecting School models rights and respect in all its relationships.
You can find out more about the Convention on the Rights of the Child by visiting: www.unicef.org.uk/rrsa