Developing Character, Building Futures

At Preston and Wingham Primary Schools Federation, we believe that education is about far more than academic achievement. We want every child to leave our schools with the knowledge, skills and character strengths they need to flourish in school, in their relationships and in their future lives.

Character education is at the heart of our vision because we believe that learning how to be a good person and a positive contributor to society is just as important as learning to read, write and calculate. Our approach is based on the principle that character can be taught, practised and developed through everyday experiences, relationships and opportunities in school.

Our Character Framework

We focus on twelve character virtues, organised into four key areas:

  Developing the Mind 

Our intellectual virtues help children become thoughtful, independent learners.

• Curiosity - asking questions and exploring new ideas.
• Critical Thinking - forming opinions and finding solutions.
• Reflection - thinking about experiences and learning from them.

   

Developing Integrity

Our moral virtues help children make good choices and act with respect and kindness.

• Kindness - being caring, thoughtful and helpful.
• Honesty - telling the truth and taking responsibility.
• Tolerance - respecting and valuing differences.

   

Making a Difference

Our civic virtues help children contribute positively to their communities.

• Contribution - sharing ideas, time and effort to help others.
• Collaboration - working effectively with others.
• Responsibility - making positive choices and doing the right thing.

   

Achieving Through Performance

Our performance virtues enable children to achieve their personal best.

• Resilience - persevering when faced with challenges.
• Self-Control - thinking carefully and managing behaviour.
• Organisation - being prepared and ready to succeed.

Our Aims

Through our character education programme, we aim to develop children who:

• Are confident, curious and enthusiastic learners.
• Show kindness, honesty and respect in their everyday actions.
• Understand their responsibilities to others and their community.
• Have the resilience to overcome setbacks and challenges.
• Work collaboratively and celebrate the success of others.
• Make positive contributions to society.
• Demonstrate the values and behaviours needed to thrive in modern Britain and beyond.

Character in Action

At Preston and Wingham Primary Schools Federation, character education is both explicitly taught and intentionally lived.

Children will take part in two dedicated character education lessons each week, where they will explore our twelve character virtues, discuss real-life situations, reflect on their own experiences and develop a deeper understanding of what it means to be a positive member of society. These lessons will provide a structured opportunity for children to learn about and practise the qualities that help them flourish both now and in the future.

However, we know that character is not developed through lessons alone. Our character virtues are woven throughout every aspect of school life. Children will encounter, practise and apply these qualities in their everyday learning, assemblies, playtimes, educational visits, enrichment activities, leadership opportunities and relationships with others.

By combining dedicated teaching with daily opportunities to practise and reflect, we aim to help children understand that character is something that grows over time. We encourage pupils to recognise these virtues in themselves and others, celebrate positive choices and continually strive to become the very best version of themselves.

Our goal is for every child to leave our schools not only with strong academic foundations, but also with the character strengths, values and habits that will enable them to lead happy, successful and purposeful lives.

Our Commitment

Through our character education programme, we are committed to:

• Teaching character explicitly through two weekly character lessons.
• Embedding character virtues across all areas of school life.
• Providing opportunities for children to practise character in meaningful and authentic ways.
• Celebrating examples of excellent character and positive citizenship.
• Developing confident learners, responsible citizens and compassionate young people who can make a positive difference in the world.
• This approach ensures that character education is not an add-on to the curriculum, but a central part of who we are as a school community.