Character Education

Character Education is and always has been ingrained in Outlook Expeditions' DNA. It’s the foundation upon which every expedition itinerary and every step of our programme is built.

It explains why we were jumping for joy as the news rolled in of Education Secretary, Damian Hinds’ speech at the Church of England Educational Leadership Conference (7th February 2019).

In his speech, Mr Hinds indicated that the Department of Education would be reviving the ‘character education’ agenda pursued by his predecessor Nicky Morgan. He said he would be assembling an ‘advisory group’ on ‘how best we can support schools in their efforts to build character’.

He also set out his proposed framework for pupils to access activities from the “five foundations for building character” – sport, creativity, performing, volunteering & membership and the world of work.

“I want to make sure every child gets to build up their character and resilience by testing themselves from a range of enjoyable activities.”

“We need greater co-ordination to increase awareness of all the opportunities available. I want to make clear that I’m not piling on the extra chores to a school’s to-do list. What I’m asking for is a joined up effort from the entire community. We all have a vested interest in making sure that young people are resilient, resourceful and confident in their abilities. It’s not something that we can subcontract to schools.”

‘Stickability’, ‘self-belief’, ‘bouncebackability’ and ‘future rewards’ were four of the qualities that the Department of Education used to explain what they mean by character and resilience. We couldn’t agree more!

Further plans will be revealed in the coming months for how this proposal will be brought to life so watch this space.

You can read the full transcript of Mr Hinds’ speech on the Department for Education website.

Watch the animation to see how the Department for Education defines character and resilience

Watch the animation to see the '5 foundations for character"