Character Education Insights: Lessons from a Japanese Perspective
As part of Bacchus Marsh Grammar’s commitment to Character Education, the school has played a leading role in establishing a Character Education Coalition. This coalition brings together like-minded independent schools that also prioritize character as a fundamental component of their educational journey.
At a recent international forum focused on discussing and researching Character Education, I encountered some compelling insights on resilience and perseverance from a Japanese perspective. I believe these principles would greatly benefit our students as they begin Term Three.
Ikigai
Ikigai refers to having a clear purpose in life—the reason you wake up each morning. It invites reflection on the purpose of each day: What can I gain from today? More importantly, what must I contribute to make today meaningful?
Kaizen
Kaizen emphasizes small, continuous improvements every day. The goal is to be at least 1% better each day. This concept is particularly relevant for our students as they consider how to improve consistently: What small step can I take today that will enable me to build momentum tomorrow?
Shoshin
Shoshin is about maintaining a beginner’s mindset—approaching new challenges with curiosity, openness, and humility. For our students, it encourages always giving their best effort regardless of the outcome. “It’s okay to lose, but not to fail. Failure is not trying in the first place.”
Ganbaru
Ganbaru means giving your best effort no matter how difficult things become. Rather than striving for perfection, the focus is on progress: showing up, being patient, and doing your best even when the task is tough.
These Japanese concepts provide valuable guidance to help our students cultivate virtues such as resilience and perseverance. Character Education involves building and applying knowledge, acquiring tools and insights that enable our students to make wise, informed decisions and flourish within our communities.
Mr Andrew Perks – Deputy Principal: Culture and Character Education