Awarded the Character Quality Distinction
Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College Receives School of Character Quality Mark Award
Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College has been honoured with the School of Character Quality Mark Award, making it the first sixth form college in the UK to achieve this prestigious recognition.
The award, given by the Association for Character Education (ACE), recognizes schools for their outstanding contributions to developing students' character. The focus is on cultivating a set of well-understood and articulated values that support individual and societal flourishing.
The award process not only recognizes best practices but also helps schools enhance their character education programs through activities like volunteering, skills development, physical challenges, and expeditions.
Notre Dame's Stella Maris programme was specifically recognized under this award. The programme embodies the principles of the award, reflecting the college's commitment to leadership, service, justice, and community values, aligned with Catholic and Marist identity.
The Stella Maris programme, while details of its recognition are limited, emphasizes faith-filled discipleship, servant leadership, and compassionate solidarity, all of which are key character qualities acknowledged by such awards.
Principal Justine Barlow expressed her pride for the award, 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."
Catherine Herring, who received special recognition in the report, reflected on the College's award, saying, "The commitment to character education, especially through the Stella Maris Leadership Award, was recognized by ACE."
The report commends the leadership opportunities created by the student executive team at Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College. The team's dedication and gratitude were of particular note in the report.
The Association for Character Education (ACE) highlighted the Stella Maris programme as a central vehicle to the development of character within the college.
Notre Dame's students should be proud, as their considered and respectful manner, reflective of the value-driven culture, has been recognized by the Association for Character Education (ACE). The full report can be viewed online.
Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College's commitment to character education extends beyond academic learning, focusing on self-development and education-and-self-development through the Stella Maris programme. The programme emphasizes learning key character qualities, such as faith-filled discipleship, servant leadership, and compassionate solidarity.
Principal Justine Barlow's statement about developing virtues and values in students aligns with the Association for Character Education's (ACE) focus on cultivating character for individual and societal flourishing.
