Character Education

Character Education at Chiswick School 

Why We Teach It:

At Chiswick School, we believe that character education is fundamental to the development of students who are not only academically successful but also equipped to thrive in the wider world. We teach character education to instil core virtues that support students in their personal growth and in their roles as responsible, compassionate citizens. By fostering virtues such as resilience, community awareness, gratitude, honesty, and curiosity, we aim to prepare students to face life's challenges with integrity and empathy, and to contribute positively to society. Our character education programme is designed to nurture the whole child, helping them develop the attitudes and behaviours that will support them throughout their lives.

What We Teach:

Our character education curriculum focusses on key virtues that encourage students to develop strong emotional intelligence and a deep sense of social responsibility. These virtues include:

• Resilience: Helping students to cope with challenges, bounce back from setbacks, and persevere through adversity. We teach them to view difficulties as opportunities for growth and to maintain a positive attitude even in the face of failure.
• Community Awareness: Encouraging students to recognise their role in the wider community, both locally and globally. We promote empathy, social responsibility, and the importance of contributing to positive change in the world around them.
• Gratitude: Fostering an attitude of thankfulness and appreciation, encouraging students to recognise the good in their lives and to acknowledge the support they receive from others.
• Honesty: Instilling the importance of truthfulness and integrity, and teaching students to make decisions based on strong moral principles. We encourage them to be authentic, transparent, and trustworthy in their actions and words.
• Curiosity: Inspiring a sense of wonder and a desire to learn. We encourage students to ask questions, seek knowledge, and explore the world with an open and inquisitive mind.

These virtues are integrated into every aspect of school life, from the classroom to extracurricular activities, ensuring that character education is an ongoing and meaningful part of students' experience.

How We Teach It:

Character education at Chiswick School is delivered using a variety of methods to ensure that it is engaging, accessible, and impactful for all students:

• Community Engagement: We provide opportunities for students to apply what they have learned by participating in community-based events, such as basketball competitions, football shoot-outs, bake sales, and a community party for local elderly residents. These activities promote collaboration, empathy, and social responsibility, allowing students to make a tangible impact on their community.
• Form Time and Assemblies: Character virtues are reinforced during form time and through school-wide assemblies. These spaces offer students a chance to reflect on and discuss the virtues in relation to their own experiences. Special assemblies on themes like resilience and gratitude provide deeper insight into the importance of these values in their everyday lives.
• PSHCE Lessons: Topics such as resilience, gratitude, and honesty are explored in depth through discussions, activities, and case studies, allowing students to connect the virtues to real-life situations.
• Extracurricular Activities: Through clubs, sports, and volunteering opportunities, students are encouraged to develop and demonstrate character traits outside of the classroom. 
• Tracking and Recognition: We use systems like Trackit to monitor students' progress in developing these virtues. Students are recognised for their efforts and achievements through badges, certificates, and other forms of recognition, reinforcing the importance of character development in our school community.

By teaching character education in this way, we aim to nurture resilient, curious, and compassionate individuals who are not only equipped for academic success but also ready to make a positive impact on the world around them.