Awarded the Character Quality Award for Excellence in Moral Integrity
Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College in the UK has made history by becoming the first school in the country to receive the prestigious School of Character Quality Mark Award. This national recognition is given to schools that demonstrate excellence in promoting and embedding character education, focusing on the development of qualities such as resilience, respect, responsibility, and integrity within their students.
The award, which was presented in September 2023, is a testament to Notre Dame's pioneering commitment to fostering strong character qualities in its students. The college's dedication to character education has been commended in a report by the Association for Character Education (ACE), which highlighted the Stella Maris program as a central vehicle for character development within the college.
According to the ACE report, the Stella Maris program regularly positively reinforces Notre Dame's virtues. The report also commends the considered and respectful manner of Notre Dame students, the dedication and gratitude shown by the student executive team, and the leadership opportunities created by the team.
Principal Justine Barlow expressed her pride in receiving the Quality Mark for character education, stating that it endorses Notre Dame's commitment to developing virtues and values in students and staff. The report specifically highlights Catherine Herring, a member of Notre Dame, for her significant contribution to the college's commitment to character education, earning her special recognition.
The School of Character Quality Mark Award is part of a broader movement among UK schools to quantify and celebrate character development with formal accreditation. This move encourages schools to embed ethical and social values into their educational culture. The ongoing development and increasing prestige of this award are evident in the growing number of schools, like Akeley Wood School, applying for and receiving the award.
The student executive team at Notre Dame has been particularly commended for creating leadership opportunities. The award recognises Notre Dame's high-quality teaching, mutually respectful relationships, and value-driven personal development program.
In receiving the School of Character Quality Mark Award, Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College has set a new standard for character education in UK schools. This award signifies that Notre Dame has met a rigorous standard in delivering character education that prepares young people for life beyond the classroom, emphasising values alongside academic achievement.
The Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College's dedication to facilitating personal growth and education-and-self-development, as evidenced by the School of Character Quality Mark Award, is a testament to their commitment to instilling character qualities within their students. This commitment is reflected in their high-quality teaching, value-driven personal development program, and the leadership opportunities created by their student executive team.
