Role Models and Character Education

Within the school’s Character Education Framework, character is taught, caught and sought through a variety of programs and experiences. Compared to other approaches to education, character education is unique in unambiguously advocating role modelling as a fundamental method to help students develop character traits, such as kindness, courage, fairness etc. The central idea is that children develop virtues through a process of observing those around them and the consequences of their actions.

When school- aged children are asked to identify their character role models, someone that they look up to as a ‘good person’, parents and other family members, teachers, coaches and sporting stars are often included in their conversations.

Role models play a crucial role in character education because they provide tangible examples of values, behaviours, and principles that students or individuals can look up to and emulate. Positive role models can inspire and motivate, provide a sense of direction, guiding to make informed and well thought decisions, provide positive social influences and provide guidance in challenging times. Role models demonstrate how to act in real-life situations. Instead of abstract lessons, individuals can see how these values are put into practice. Whether it’s honesty, perseverance, kindness, or responsibility, role models show that character traits are not just theoretical but can be actively lived out.

By demonstrating good character virtues such as fairness, kindness, compassion, civility and honesty, role models create a positive learning environment in which students feel comfortable, safe, respected and ready to learn. As teachers and parents, we are always playing a role as an exemplar to our young people and young people in our care will learn from our behaviours, language, attitudes and dispositions.

Mr Andrew Perks – Deputy Principal: Culture and Character Education