Received the Character Quality Award
Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College Achieves School of Character Quality Mark Award
Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College has been honoured with the School of Character Quality Mark Award, marking a significant milestone in the institution's commitment to character education. Principal Justine Barlow expressed her pride, stating, "We are immensely proud to be awarded the Quality Mark for character education, endorsing our commitment to developing virtues and values in our students and staff."
The award, bestowed by the Association for Character Education (ACE), specifically recognised the leadership opportunities created by the student executive team at Notre Dame. Catherine Herring, who received special recognition in the report, expressed her satisfaction with the college's achievement, noting the recognition of their commitment to character education.
The Stella Maris program, a central element in Notre Dame's character development, was highlighted in the report. The program positively reinforces the college's virtues on a regular basis, according to the ACE report. The award was granted due to Notre Dame's high-quality teaching, mutually respectful relationships, and value-driven personal development program.
The School of Character Quality Mark Award acknowledges schools that excel in developing students' character through a structured and intentional approach. This includes fostering moral values, ethical reasoning, and positive social-emotional skills. Schools like Aylesford School and Akeley Wood School have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to character education, demonstrating a culture that supports the development of essential character strengths.
Schools stand out in implementing character education by integrating character development into the curriculum, engaging the community, and assessing and reflecting on their strategies. While specific details about Notre Dame's unique implementation are not available, the dedication and gratitude shown by the student executive team, the commendation for creating leadership opportunities, and the respectful manner of the students all reflect positively on the college's value-driven culture.
Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College became the first sixth form college in the UK to achieve the School of Character Quality Mark Award in September 2023. The full report on the award can be viewed online.
At Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College, the School of Character Quality Mark Award underscores their dedication to fostering personal growth through education and self-development, specifically highlighted by the Stella Maris program's positive reinforcement of virtues. This commitment to character education, evidenced by their high-quality teaching, mutually respectful relationships, and value-driven personal development program, aligns with the school's aim to cultivate essential character strengths like moral values, ethical reasoning, and positive social-emotional skills.
