Character Curriculum

Our Character Curriculum at Holland Park Primary: Caught, Taught, and Sought

At Holland Park Primary school, character education is at the heart of what we do. Alongside our behaviour policy & established daily routines, our character curriculum is designed to support the children to develop strong character values (our tribal traits) alongside academic strengths.   We guide children to become their best selves—both now and for their future—by supporting them to regulate their emotions and navigate moral dilemmas with increasing confidence. Our weekly Above and Beyond awards recognise children who demonstrate the tribal traits and serve as good role-models to others.  

We use the Caught, Taught, and Sought approach to ensure that our core values (our tribal traits), along with the SIgma values are not just words on the wall, but are lived experiences for all in our school community.

Our core values (Tribal Traits)

HPS Character Education Teaching Inventory Poster

1. Character Caught (Our Culture & Environment)

This is the "invisible curriculum" where values (tribal traits) are absorbed through daily life.

We believe that character is  "caught" most powerfully through the culture we create and the relationships we build together.

• Our School Environment: We maintain a safe, cared-for physical environment that promotes a deep sense of belonging. Our learning environment is a collaborative and aspirational space which aims to strike a  balance between academic progress and personal growth.
   

• Relationships First: Character is caught through the positive examples set by our staff, who act as moral role models. We prioritise meaningful, respectful relationships between staff and pupils, and we guide children to form supportive, compassionate friendships with each other.
   

• Our School ethos: A clear, shared language of character using our core values (tribal traits) is used consistently across the school, helping everyone understand what good character looks like in action.
   

2. Character Taught (Our Lessons & Learning)

The explicit teaching of values (tribal traits) through the formal curriculum.

We don't leave character development to chance; we explicitly teach these through planned learning activities and assemblies.

• Across the Curriculum: Character is integrated into existing subjects—whether it’s learning resilience in Maths or empathy in History. We also use specific times like PSHE and assemblies to explore tribal traits in depth.
   

• Active Learning: We use discussion-based learning to engage with moral dilemmas and co-operative learning to practice teamwork and communication.
   

• Rich Resources:  Our lessons and assemblies utilise stories, current affairs, and moral exemplars to spark discussion, inspire thinking and inform decision making. 

3. Character Sought (Our Experiences & Enrichment)

The opportunities we provide for children to put values (tribal traits) into action.

We encourage the children to develop positive personal habits, and overtime become active members of the school and wider community. 

• Enrichment: Through a range of extra-curricular clubs, residential trips, volunteering opportunities and pupil leadership roles, we ensure the children have access to value-forming opportunities. We encourage the children to reflect upon their character strengths, and begin to take ownership of their own character development. 

Social Action: We encourage citizenship by facilitating volunteering opportunities and participation in school / community based projects. This empowers the children to make a positive difference, helping them understand their role as active citizens in our school, their community, and the wider world.