Integrating human rights in the primary syllabus of Year Six

Abstract

It is almost half a century since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted. Nevertheless, despite numerous conferences and symposia on the desirability of human rights teaching few individuals and/or organisations have ever attempted to do anything practical about it. This dissertation initially sets out to introduce the concept of human rights and an outline of the aims and objectives of the programme are supported by various studies. Tue appropriateness of the school environment and the responsibility of those involved in the school, as functions of the success of human rights teaching programmes, are then further discussed. Tue next chapter attempts to present various methods that may be employed in the teaching of human rights followed by a discussion regarding the applications of diverse resources utilised for teaching human rights. The implications of these two chapters are to promote variety and enthusiasm in class but also to encourage children to acquire the necessary skills for life. Particular human rights concepts, relevant to year six students, are expanded and discussed, and Table 1 illustrates the integration of human rights concepts with the contents of Year Six text books. Tue penultimate chapter, contains useful curriculum material, for the teacher who intends to integrate human rights in his/her class, a list of practical activities are described and are intended to enhance the ten year old pupil's understanding of human rights concepts. A final note is in order: It is our conviction that children need to be treated with respect and dignity and to be accepted for what they are rather than for what they shall be. As we put our efforts to give this to our pupils, our lives - but even theirs - will grow richer and the world will be a better place for us all.