Rights Respecting School

At The Gatwick School, we teach children about their rights through engaging assemblies that explore key topics from the UNCRC. These assemblies include content on children's rights and encourage reflection on how these principles relate to and shape our school community. We make sure to include important dates, events and topics such as International Day of Peace, Rights and Laws, Universal Children’s Day and ‘Being a Global Citizen.

To deepen understanding, we follow up this learning in personal development lessons using Picture News, which helps students connect global issues to their everyday lives.

Children’s rights are embedded across everyday lessons at The Gatwick School, allowing students to make meaningful connections between their learning and the world around them.

For example, wellbeing topics in PSHE promote self-awareness and empathy, while Science lessons on the Sustainability Goals encourage students to consider their responsibilities as global citizens. In English, exploring themes of displacement and protection through the novel Refugee Boy helps students understand the real-life implications of rights such as safety, identity, and education. This cross-curricular approach fosters critical thinking, compassion, and a deeper appreciation of the rights they hold and the role they play in upholding them within their community and beyond.

The Gatwick School (TGS) way to behave and out culture Is founded upon our rights respecting values and providing students with the chance to make the right choice. The TGS Way, is outlined as how students behaved in lessons and in social spaces, as outlined below:

In the primary phase, students are encouraged to reflect on the choices they make. These reflections take place through guided discussions with an adult, where the conversation often includes the importance of respecting the rights of others. This approach helps children develop empathy, accountability, and a deeper understanding of how their actions impact those around them.

Here you can find our Anti-Bullying Policy which also outlines out commitment to a safe, inclusive and respecting environment where every student has the right to feel secure, valued and supported.

https://gatwickschool.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/key_information/The-Gatwick-School-Anti-Bullying-Policy-2024-2025.pdf?t=1747232312

In addition to our Student Voice, we have a dedicated pupil team committed to supporting everyone’s right to feel safe. Our Mental Health Ambassadors, trained by Thought-Full—the West Sussex Mental Health Support Teams in Schools service—play a key role in promoting wellbeing across the school. They lead by example, encouraging acts of kindness, delivering assemblies, and fostering a culture of empathy and respect. Their work supports Article 19 of the UNCRC, which states that every child has the right to be protected from all forms of violence, abuse, and neglect.

Supporting this work is Ralph, our much-loved therapy dog, who plays a vital role in promoting emotional wellbeing. Ralph provides comfort and reassurance to pupils, particularly during times of stress or anxiety. His calming presence helps children regulate their emotions, build confidence, and feel safe and supported within the school environment.

At The Gatwick School, we celebrate the diversity of our community through a range of inclusive events such as Autism Awareness Assemblies, Culture Day, and Pride Day. These events provide opportunities for students to learn about and appreciate different identities, experiences, and perspectives. This commitment reflects Article 2 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which states that all children have the right to be treated without discrimination, regardless of their background, abilities, or beliefs.

We have a strong and active pupil voice at The Gatwick School, which includes Student Council representatives, Rights Champions, Prefects, and Year 6 Leadership roles. This year, our primary student voice team proudly participated in UNICEF’s OutRight campaign, using their platform to advocate for important issues. Motivated by a shared concern about food poverty, the students organised a collection drive to support our local food bank—demonstrating compassion, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference in their community.

This year, TGS was honoured to receive a recognition award from West Sussex County Council for our commitment to democracy during last year’s Youth Cabinet elections, which saw Ashfa (Y11) elected.
We were thrilled to offer a group of students the incredible opportunity to travel to London to accept the award. The day included a tour of Parliament, guided by Peter Lamb, MP for Crawley, followed by an afternoon tea hosted by Tom Rutland, MP for East Worthing & Shoreham. The selection of sandwiches, scones, and cakes was absolutely delicious.
When Ashfa accepted the award on behalf of the school, she delivered an inspiring speech about the positive impact the West Sussex Youth Cabinet has had on her and her peers. All of our students left London feeling motivated and enriched by the experience.