Values Based Education
We trust that parents have walked through our Warren Quad and have noticed and reflected on our signs - The Fruit of the Spirit (In isiZulu, Sesotho, English and Afrikaans) as well as our Values (recently added to our Warren quad). These bold signs advertise to One and All our commitment to an ethos that develops our boys into gentleman of Character. Our Saints Honour and our Ideals further add to our curriculum of developing our boys.
Our fruits of the Spirit and Values-based education, is not a new subject to be incorporated into the curriculum, rather it is an educational attitude, an approach to teaching and learning that underpins the way a school establishes itself. Furthermore, it develops relationships and promotes positive human Values. This approach has reflected a qualitative improvement in pupil attitudes and behaviour.
The purpose of Values-based education and incorporating the Fruits of the Spirit is:
To help the preparatory community think about and reflect upon positive universal Values and the practical implications of expressing them in relation to themselves, others, the community and the world.
To inspire our boys to embrace our Values and possibly develop their own positive personal, social, moral and spiritual Values and be aware of ways for developing and deepening themselves as proud South Africans and world citizens.
We are convinced that Values-based education and our Fruits of the Spirit promotes an inclusive school ethos and raises achievement and helps our boys to raise their self-esteem and take greater responsibility for their own behaviour and learning. Overall, it enables our boys to examine the kind of life that is worth living and to consider what kind of life they want for themselves.
The effect of expressing our Values and our Fruit of the Spirit in our school is palpable; it is supremely gentle and yet extraordinarily powerful; it does provide a clear framework and yet allows, freedom of thought and response.
For us as Boys’ Preparatory teachers, Values and Fruit of the Spirit education provides a clear reference point for talking about things that relate to all our boys: behaviour, relationships, self-worth and any other every day issues. It is transformational and has relevance to all boys: it is not set within a specific time frame, is relevant to boys of all ages, ability, social class, culture and religion.
So the next time you are standing in our Warren Quad take a moment to reflect on our signs and the message they deliver – join us in celebrating this addition to our school character.
