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We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education. —Martin Luther King Jr.,
Character education fosters ethical, responsible and caring young people by modelling and teaching good character. It provides long-term solutions that address moral, ethical and academic issues of growing concern to our society and key to the safety of our schools. Good character is not formed automatically; it is developed over time through a sustained process of teaching, example, learning and practice. It is developed through character education. The intentional teaching of good character is particularly important in today’s society since our youth face many opportunities and dangers unknown to earlier generations. They are bombarded with many more negative influences through the media and other external sources prevalent in today’s culture.
Shore is a Christian school and we seek to educate our boys with a clear understanding of the principles and values of the Christian faith. Shore’s Building Good Men programme promotes the importance of virtue and character based upon the School’s Christian values. Our aim is to build and strengthen character within our boys to influence how they think and act, especially when faced with challenging situations that will confront them as they move through their adolescent years and into manhood. Too often we read in the newspapers of teenagers, university students, sports stars, and business and political leaders behaving selfishly and showing a complete lack of integrity, respect and self-control. Our hope is that our boys will always consider the needs of others ahead of their own and have the moral courage to stand up for what is right. Building Good Men is a programme in character education, which challenges boys to consider the type of man that they want to become and the virtues that will guide them through their adult life. It was written by a team of twelve Shore staff (six Housemasters and six Tutors) and is specifically tailored for the ‘Shore boy’. All Year 11 boys facilitate sessions within Tutor Group, under the guidance and assistance of a Tutor, providing them with opportunities to develop their leadership skills. The Year 11 boys receive training in delivering the programme and leading a small discussion group. They work in teams of 3-4 and meet with a specific Year group from within their House. The programme uses a number of teaching strategies and resources such as film clips to provide clear examples of the virtue being addressed and to motivate and inspire the boys.