Developing Character Education in schools, a journey to recognition
In late 2016 Aylesford School took the first steps to developing Character Education. It had recognised that it was time for the school to take a new direction in its journey and to revaluate its existing philosophy and school ethos.
Since 2017 the we have worked hard to ensure that character development is now integral to all aspects of our school life. In 2019 the school became one of the first schools to obtain the Association for Character Education’s ‘School of Character’ Kitemark.
Since 2017 the we have worked hard to ensure that character development is now integral to all aspects of our school life. In 2019 the school became one of the first schools to obtain the Association for Character Education’s ‘School of Character’ Kitemark.
The School began its explicit focus on character education in 2017 at a time when the leadership of the school felt a new direction was needed to revitalise a school requiring improvement.
The school’s character education journey began with our community helping select a set of virtues – inspired by the Jubilee Centre’s A Framework for Character Education In Schools – around which the school ethos could focus.
The School began its explicit focus on character education in 2017 at a time when the leadership of the school felt a new direction was needed to revitalise a school requiring improvement.
The school’s character education journey began with our community helping select a set of virtues – inspired by the Jubilee Centre’s A Framework for Character Education In Schools – around which the school ethos could focus.
Character Education at Aylesford runs deep
Having a sharp focus on developing Character Education does not simply mean more trips or introducing the Duke of Edinburgh award, although this focus on enrichment is an essential part of developing character. Character Education at Aylesford runs so much deeper than that. It underpins, inspires and transforms all aspects of the school’s work and sits at heart of the school’s ethos.
Having a sharp focus on developing Character Education does not simply mean more trips or introducing the Duke of Edinburgh award, although this focus on enrichment is an essential part of developing character. Character Education at Aylesford runs so much deeper than that. It underpins, inspires and transforms all aspects of the school’s work and sits at heart of the school’s ethos.
Character can be seen in our lessons and in our behaviour policy; It is evident in the way our staff and students build and maintain positive relationship; It is visual around the school but also a key element of our recruitment process; In short, each and every aspect of our school will have been considered with character development in mind.
Character can be seen in our lessons and in our behaviour policy; It is evident in the way our staff and students build and maintain positive relationship; It is visual around the school but also a key element of our recruitment process; In short, each and every aspect of our school will have been considered with character development in mind.
And does it work?
Well since 2017 outcomes have improved, attendance has gone up and we have moved from a school that required improvement to being judged a good school in every area of the new Ofsted framework.
Well since 2017 outcomes have improved, attendance has gone up and we have moved from a school that required improvement to being judged a good school in every area of the new Ofsted framework.
However, arguably more important than external validation, Character Education gives our students something different- it gives our students a sense of pride in their school and confidence in themselves; it equips them with the right character to take on an ever-changing world beyond the gates of the school.
However, arguably more important than external validation, Character Education gives our students something different- it gives our students a sense of pride in their school and confidence in themselves; it equips them with the right character to take on an ever-changing world beyond the gates of the school.
Mr Dave Wright
Assistant Head Teacher
Aylesford School
