OPAL play aligns with our curriculum vision of learning with the Head, Heart and Hand. As children plan and create their own play they will think though scenarios, solve problems, overcome intellectual challenges and develop strategies so building skills of critical thinking.  Our children will work in collaboration with their peers whilst using a wide range of resources and environments.  Through shared ownership and responsibility of these environments and resources they will support each other; deepening their friendships and building empathy and compassion. Such play will help them learn how to compromise, negotiate, share, guide, lead and nurture.  Their creations will be independently made, and while some play might be imaginary, some may be physical – building structures both large and small, creating potions, putting materials together and using resources in new, creative ways.   

Children will be supported in managing their own safety and the safety of their resources, so building competence in defining their boundaries and creating their own challenges.  Together they will support each other to aim high and pursue ambitious personal goals.  Our play rationale supports children in their understanding of respect and what it means in a real, shared experience, both for other people and also for their environment and resources.   

The School Council have agreed on the following values for OPAL:

• Use your imagination
• Take safe risks
• Embrace all

OPAL and Children's Rights

At Lady Joanna Thornhill School, we are proud to be a Rights Respecting School, committed to embedding the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in every aspect of our practice and culture. This commitment ensures that all children at our school not only understand their rights but also experience them daily in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Article 15 of the UNCRC states that every child has the right to meet with other children and to join groups and organisations, as long as this does not stop other people from enjoying their rights. At Lady Joanna Thornhill, we actively promote this right by encouraging students to form friendships, collaborate in group activities, and participate in school clubs. We teach our students the importance of respecting others' rights while exercising their own, fostering a community of mutual respect and understanding.

Article 31 highlights every child's right to relax, play, and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities. Through OPAL, we ensure that children have ample opportunities to engage in diverse play experiences. We recognise that play is not just a break from learning but a vital part of children's development, helping them to explore their creativity, build social skills, and develop resilience.

Article 12 states that children have the right to be listened to on matters important to them.  Through regular assemblies with our Play Team, we negotiate and develop play so as to ensure the children feel safe, listened to, respected and challenged in every aspect of their school day.

As duty bearers of children's rights, all adults at Lady Joanna Thornhill play a crucial role in upholding these rights during OPAL play. Our staff members work diligently to create an environment where every child feels included and valued. We promote friendships by guiding children to be empathetic and supportive peers. We equip them with the skills to manage disagreements constructively, ensuring that play remains safe and enjoyable for everyone. Moreover, we encourage children to try new activities, helping them to discover new interests and talents. By ensuring that play is both safe and fair, we empower children to take ownership of their rights and become advocates for themselves and others.