Framing Principle

This category recognises schools that instil values such as empathy, integrity, service, and respect, preparing students to be ethical, compassionate global citizens. This will include schools that foster student leadership and governance.

Criteria for Earning this Badge

These criteria are based on the framework for institutional transformation toward human flourishing, developed by Dandelion, a pioneering Center for Character Education and Leadership.

1. Institutional Identity and School Culture

Character education is at the heart of the school’s mission and vision. The commitment to human flourishing and the development of specific virtues is intentionally embedded in the school’s identity and culture. It is clearly communicated and purposefully pursued across the educational community.

• The school’s mission and vision explicitly refer to virtues, values, or character development.

• The school has clear policies, rituals, and traditions that reflect its core values and support character formation.

• Staff and students can articulate the importance of character education as part of the school’s identity.

2. Deliberate Character Instruction

There is clear evidence of explicit character education integrated into curriculum planning. Specific virtues and values are intentionally connected to subject content, and pedagogical strategies are designed to foster students’ character development.

• Curriculum planning documents include explicit references to specific virtues or values.

• Teachers intentionally link character education to academic content across subject areas.

• Students participate in learning experiences designed to reflect on, practice, and apply virtues.

• Assessment strategies include reflection on personal growth and character development.

3. Student Leadership and Governance

The school provides systematic opportunities for students to take on leadership roles and actively participate in school life. Personal reflection and self-awareness are encouraged to build students’ sense of responsibility, ethical decision-making, and the practical application of virtues. Furthermore, the school promotes servant leadership by engaging students in meaningful service projects that contribute to the common good both within and beyond the school, strengthening their connection to the broader community.

• Students have regular and meaningful opportunities to participate in school decision-making processes. • Leadership roles are available and accessible to all students, not just academic high-performers.

• Reflection practices (e.g., journals, mentoring, peer dialogue) are embedded to support self-awareness and moral agency.

• Students engage in service-learning or community-based projects that promote servant leadership and civic responsibility.

APPLY FOR THE CHARACTER & VALUES DRIVEN EDUCATION CATEGORY