P6 pupils join class teacher Mrs Smith in celebrating their award.
Pupils at Langlees Primary have struck gold after winning a prestigious prize.
The school has achieved a Gold Rights Respecting Schools Award from UNICEF. It recognises the school’s efforts in promoting and realising children’s rights. The pupils have also been learning about the Global Goals for sustainability, the aim of which is to end poverty and inequality by 2030.
A highlight of going for gold was the school’s reusable mask campaign, Make Your Mask Last which even reached the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon who posted a selfie on Twitter of herself wearing one of the tartan face coverings designed by the pupils.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon Tweeted her praise for the Langlees pupils' ingenuity
The school is one of fewer than 100 schools out of 2,500 across Scotland to receive the ‘gold’ award.
During an accreditation visit, which had to be held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions, there was praise for the strong community links, and the ways in which rights were embedded across all aspects of school life.
Headteacher Brian McLaren said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this award in recognition of all the hard work which has been done by staff and pupils since 2016.
“The ‘Make Your Mask Last’ campaign, which the primary 6 pupils organised, has been a particular highlight and their promotional video was viewed over 2,000 times on Twitter. The sales of the masks also raised over £350 for the Langlees Food Provision.
“As a result of the work which has been carried out by the pupils, they are now more aware of the rights which all children have and they are sharing this knowledge with the wider school community.
Now we have achieved the Gold award, we will continue to promote the Rights of the Child within Langlees, as well as sharing our experience of the journey to gold with other schools.”