BEFORE she went to Hampden School, Orla Devlin “lived in a very quiet world,” explains her mother.

Donna Devlin said: “Orla, who is in primary five, has a hearing impairment and other support needs, and she has just flourished at this school.

“She has been part of the rights respecting group, and it’s given her a voice and independence. Now, she can make her own choices every day and live an incredibly fulfilled life, supported by Hampden School.”

Glasgow Times: Donna Devlin with her daughter OrlaDonna Devlin with her daughter Orla (Image: Hampden Primary School)

The Oatlands primary is celebrating this week after becoming the first ASL (Additional Support for Learning) school – and only the fifth school in the city – to win a prestigious UNICEF Gold Rights Respecting Award.

The award scheme, which uses the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as a guide, puts children’s rights at the heart of school life across the UK.

The aim is to give children the best chance to lead happy, healthy lives and to be responsible, active citizens. More than 1.5 million children in the UK go to a Rights Respecting School and nearly 5000 schools are working through the award.

Virginia Smith, headteacher, said: “I am just so delighted for the school, for all the hard work of the children, the staff and our parents and carers. To become the first ASL school in Glasgow to achieve its Gold Rights Respecting Award is such a proud moment.

“It’s a career highlight for me. I am just thrilled to bits.”

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Rhona O’Malley, principal teacher, who has been leading the school’s journey through its bronze, silver and gold awards, said: “We started back in 2018, when we created a pupil rights group, and since then they have been involved in so many things, like classroom charters and improving playground equipment, to make sure children have a voice in the school.”

She added: “It has been about improving communication and really, about the pupils’ self-regulation. We do everything we can to help the children become more self-regulated through our therapeutic curriculum, which includes massage, yoga and music therapy.

“Through this they become much happier and ready to learn. It has been an amazing journey and I’m so proud of the pupils.”

Councillor Christina Cannon, Glasgow’s education convener, said: “I am so unbelievably proud of all of the staff and pupils at Hampden Primary School.

“Hampden is a wonderful example of a school that champions children’s rights and fully embeds these into school life in its practices and ethos.”

She adds: "This gives our children and young people a voice, which is so important and has such a positive impact on their overall learning and wellbeing, allowing them to flourish. A massive well done to everyone involved.”

Glasgow Times: The school is the first ASL establishment in the city to achieve the awardThe school is the first ASL establishment in the city to achieve the award (Image: Hampden Primary School)

Madge Coleman, whose son is in primary two at the school, said Hampden School was “well deserving” of the award.

“It’s such a wonderful school and I’m absolutely delighted that my son is here,” she said.

"What a special environment to be in and to learn and grow and develop. The staff do an absolutely outstanding job. They always go above and beyond.”

At a special celebration held in the school to mark the remarkable achievement, Donna Devlin summed it up.

“This is incredible for the school as a whole,” she said.

“And for the families, it’s amazing, because it recognises all the hard work and the love and the care that our kids get.”