What is Character Education?

We define character education in the following way: - First, that there is such a thing as character, an interlocked set of personal values and virtues which normally guide conduct. Character is about who we are and who we become and includes the virtues of responsibility, honesty, self-reliance, reliability, generosity, self-discipline, and a sense of identity and purpose. Second, that this is not a fixed set, easily measured or incapable of modification. Third, choices about conduct are choices about ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ actions and thoughts. Our understanding of character formation does not imply lack of student consent or participation. Our argument is that active character development is not simply about the acquisition of academic and social skills: it is ultimately about the kind of person a student becomes and wants to become. More >

In Scotland, we believe that Character Education has a vital role at the very heart of our shared challenge to unlock the potential of our young people most at risk of not being able to make use of their talents, skills and opportunities in life. We believe that the foundations for a successful life are the character qualities and core values needed for lifelong practical wisdom. Without this insight, self-awareness and self understanding, young people don’t feel they have choices and don’t believe they have the chance to change. Effective character education can change this. We understand that this is the difference we can make.

Through the learning for life programme we have been working with schools, youth agencies and businesses across Scotland to provide the opportunity for many young people to engage with the qualities needed for a successful life. The results of this early work are inspiring and provide a compelling case for significantly scaling up what we do and re-focusing how and where we do it.