London: Lessons to build pupils’ “character” are being put on a par with academic subjects under Government plans to ensure children are properly prepared for life in modern Britain.
Some £3.5 million (Dh20.19 million) will be spent promoting classes and extra-curricular activities that build “grit” and resilience” in a generation of schoolchildren.
Programmes include the introduction of lessons in self-control and humour and new rewards for pupils who reach particular goals through hard work.
Cash is also likely to be invested in schemes run by ex-servicemen in which pupils are required to undertake military drills and assault courses to build team-working skills. Business leaders have voiced concerns that too many children leave school with a string of academic qualifications but without many of the “soft skills” needed to thrive in adult life.
These includes basic communication, team work, good manners, self-control, responsibility and punctuality. The Department for Education (DfE) insisted the fund was “designed to place character education on a par with academic learning for pupils across the country”.
Nicky Morgan, the Education Secretary, said traits that helped young people persevere with setbacks and contribute to the wider community were “equally important” to school-leavers as securing good grades.
The comments are likely to alarm traditionalists who fear the move will result in traditional academic subjects such as maths, English and science being downgraded in favour of a focus on skills.
Morgan said: “Excellent teachers already produce well-rounded pupils and today’s news will give more schools the support, inspiration and resources to go even further.
“The move is a landmark step for our education system. It will cement our position as a global leader in teaching character and resilience.” Under the plan, schools and community organisations in England will be able to bid for a share of the funding from early 2015 to launch programmes — inside and outside school — designed to build pupils’ character. Applicants must display evidence that their activities result in better grades, improved behaviour, or improved job prospects. Examples of successful projects already under way include the King Solomon Academy, London, which has introduced “rewards” for pupils — incentives for those who behave properly, turn up on time and thrive academically.
It has also introduced productions of unabridged Shakespeare plays for pupils aged 11 upwards. Another school — School 21 in east London — has developed a curriculum that stresses the importance of self-control, humour and charity. The school day includes time for students to “master” personal goals, such as grammar, an instrument or learning a language. An additional £1 million is being invested in research led by the Education Endowment Foundation — a Government-funded charity — into the “most effective ways that character can be taught”, the DfE announced.
