What is Character Education?

The DfE: Character education includes any activities that aim to develop desirable character traits or attributes in children and young people. Such desirable character traits:

•  Can support improved academic attainment
• Are valued by employers
• Can enable children to make a positive contribution to British society.

Through case studies it was recognised that successful character education is not about stand-alone lessons but part of a school’s over-arching philosophy and aims. The case study schools recognised their responsibilities to:

•  Encourage pupils to understand, value and demonstrate the positive behaviour traits that would make them well-rounded, grounded citizens;
• Support the development of the skills required to function in and contribute to society;
• Support social and emotional development, in order for pupils to better understand themselves and work on their weaknesses;
•  Instil pupils with a moral compass and skills in understanding and interacting with other people.

The schools attributed their success to:

• Having a clear vision and whole school approach embedded across the curriculum
• Being driven forward by strong leadership
• Being delivered and modelled by staff with the appropriate skills and time
• Access to activities that could be tailored appropriately to the needs of students.

There are challenges. Of course. These are recognised in the full report.