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Maddingley Campus

South Maddingley Road,
Bacchus Marsh VIC 3340
03 5366 4800

Woodlea Campus

111 Frontier Avenue,
Aintree (Rockbank) VIC 3336
03 5366 4900

Early Learning Centre

111 Frontier Avenue,
Aintree (Rockbank) VIC 3336
03 5366 4999

Character Education

Character Education at Bacchus Marsh Grammar

The goal of Character Education at Bacchus Marsh Grammar is to equip students with the intellectual tools to make wise choices within the framework of a democratic society. We believe that Character Education is more than just curriculum, it is about helping students grasp what is ethically correct and important in given situations, demonstrating how they can act in the right way and at the right time for the right reasons.

Character Education is intentional, planned, organised and reflective, along with being caught, taught and sought. Bacchus Marsh Grammar is a values driven school with high expectations that underpin our academic, professional and social successes. The Character Education Framework highlights our school’s agreed-upon Values and Virtues, along with providing guidance in achieving a community that is “Flourishing Together.”

How Character Education is Implemented

Character is largely caught through role modelling and emotional contagion. As such, a positive school culture and ethos are central to its development.

We display this at Bacchus Marsh Grammar through:

  • School Assemblies in the physical school environment
  • Teachers being role models to our students
  • Building trust and a positive relationship within the school
  • Successful behaviour policies

Character is also taught. The direct teaching of character provides rationale, language and tools to support its development both within and beyond the school.

 Character is taught here by:

  • Having a bespoke approach
  • Our existing subjects which identify opportunities to teach virtues set within curriculum
  • Tutor time and assemblies

Character is sought freely in the pursuit of a better life.

Our key is through enrichment by enabling:

  • Opportunities for Student Leadership and Citizenship Education through Compass Awards and Duke of Edinburgh.
  • Supra-curricular activities which enables students to have virtue-forming experiences
  • Competing in sporting activities such as house and interschool sport
  • Our enrichment program where students can seek challenges and new interests

Neal Institute of Character Education

The Neal Institute of Character Education (NICE) reflects Bacchus Marsh Grammar’s long-standing commitment to educating the whole person, supporting young people to develop empathy, resilience and the capacity to make thoughtful, ethical decisions.
 
Named in honour of former principal Andrew Neal, the institute builds on the character education already embedded across the school, with a focus on strengthening practice through reflection, professional learning and evidence-informed approaches.
Photographed: Principal - Debra Ogston, ACU Researcher - Dr Jonathon Sergeant, Andrew Neal, Andrew Perks and ACU Researcher - Dr Kylie Task-Kerr

In conjunction with Australian Catholic University (ACU), the institute brings together leading education researchers with our staff, students and wider school community. This partnership connects academic research with classroom practice, supporting the ongoing development of character education at Bacchus Marsh Grammar.

Character Education at Bacchus Marsh Grammar helps students develop the judgement, values and integrity to make wise, ethical choices and contribute positively to a flourishing community.

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