We are very proud of our status as the only United Nations Earth Charter school in Europe. The Earth Charter is a document with sixteen principles that drive a global movement towards a more just, sustainable and peaceful world. Since its creation in 2000, it has been endorsed by governments, businesses, institutions, world organisations and individuals. The Earth Charter has been embraced by UNESCO as a means of educating the public of the importance of creating a sustainable world. It has as its mission:
“To establish a sound ethical foundation for the emerging global society”.
At Avonwood Primary School we have adopted the eight 'Little Earth Charter' principles as our school values, These values are refered to throughout our curriculum and feature in all aspects of life at Avonwood from our positive behaviour management policy through to our assemblies and daily lessons.
Earth Charter Official Website: Click Here
As an Earth Charter school we convey the universal principles of the Earth Charter to our children. We do this through following 8 principles:
The Principle of Life means respecting and caring for all living things, no matter how big or how small. All life is important, not just human life. We will treat all living things with respect and consideration.
“I promise to respect and care for all living things, no matter how big or how small”
The Interconnected Principle means that everything is connected to everything else. Each and every person and living creature has its own special qualities. We all have a place on this Earth and we all need each other.
“I promise to respect and understand that everything on earth is interconnected and is somehow connected to me”
The Principle of Family means doing everything that you can to make sure everyone in the human family is well treated. It means that you will work with others to make sure that all boys and girls have a home, clean water to drink, food to eat, a school to go to and a doctor to look after them if they are sick.
“I promise to respect and understand that I am part of the whole human family and I will do all I can to make sure that everyone in the human family is well treated”
The Principle of the Past means that you will learn from all the different people who have lived before you, discovering what made their lives good and what made their lives difficult and you will be inspired by their gifts of wisdom.
“I promise to respect and understand the past and to learn from all the different people who have lived before me."
The Principle of the Earth means that you promise to take care of this Earth, the water, the air, the soil and all living things and you will do everything in your power to live in a way that is not wasteful or greedy. The earth is the home we share.
“I promise to respect and care for the earth, the home we all share. I will do all that I can to protect the water, the air, the soil and all living things”
The Principle of Love means that you promise to be truthful and kind to others, to build trust amongst those that know you and to understand the ways of each person that you meet. It means that you will take responsibility for your actions in all things.
“I promise to be kind and truthful to others to understand the feelings of others, and do all I am able to make the world a more loving place”
The Principle of the Future means that you will do everything possible in your lifetime to make sure that everyone now and in the future can live together in health, peace and harmony.
“I promise to do everything possible in my lifetime to help make our earth a healthy, harmonious and peaceful home for everyone in the future”
United Learning comprises: United Learning Ltd (Registered in England No: 00018582. Charity No. 313999) UCST (Registered in England No: 2780748. Charity No. 1016538) and ULT (Registered in England No. 4439859. An Exempt Charity). Companies limited by guarantee. Registered address: United Learning, Worldwide House, Thorpe Wood, Peterborough, PE3 6SB.
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