Character Development
At Holbrook, character education plays a pivotal role in fostering essential life skills that contribute to children’s spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) development. An integral aspect of this educational framework is the cultivation of fundamental character traits, including courtesy, honesty, respect, dedication, and compassion. Through character education, children are encouraged to develop a profound sense of care and respect for themselves and for others. This initiative is not merely about imparting knowledge; it is centred on equipping children with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of adult life successfully. By embedding these values within the curriculum, we aim to nurture well-rounded individuals who appreciate the significance of social responsibility and interpersonal relationships. Ultimately, character education at Holbrook serves as a cornerstone for preparing our children to thrive both personally and professionally in their future endeavours.
Character education is vital for various reasons, primarily its role in enhancing a child’s emotional wellbeing. By focusing on character development, we equip children with crucial skills that foster their growth into happy, productive adults who contribute positively to society.
Moreover, character education significantly impacts academic success. As highlighted in Ofsted’s Character Education Framework Guidance (November 2019), research indicates that specific enabling character traits can lead to improved educational attainment, increased engagement with the school, and better attendance.
While the Character Education Framework Guidance is non-statutory, we promote the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) development of pupils as part of a broad and balanced curriculum. Thus, character education is integral to preparing children for the opportunities and responsibilities they will encounter in later life.