Positive Education

Around the Grounds

Character strengths, we all have them in different degrees, therefore having a truly unique character profile. Understanding and applying our strengths can certainly help boost confidence, strengthen relationships, and build meaning and purpose. At Mount Carmel College we are focussed on the wellbeing and development of the whole person's body, mind and spirit. The science of positive education is visible across the school in so many areas and it is timely that we share how this is occurring this term in just some of the classrooms in the secondary school. 

Year 7

Students in year 7 have been studying Jesus in their Theology & Spirituality classes. Throughout the last few weeks they have been unpacking how the words and works of Jesus are about the Reign of God, that through Jesus’ words and actions we can come to know God’s love, compassion and mercy. Students are currently in the process of undertaking an assessment task where they will be exploring what they have learnt from the gospel stories about who Jesus is, his character and how these characteristics of Jesus can either relate to themselves or someone they know. 

Year 8

Students have commenced STRIVE this term, a program that provides students with a variety of opportunities and experiences through which they move out of their comfort zone, overcome challenges and broaden their perspectives and understanding of the world around them. Throughout the year they will certainly be exploring their character strengths and how they will be able to maximise their strengths in all areas of their lives. 

Year 9

Students have been exploring powerful women through film in their English classes this term. They have reflected upon how these women have influenced others, what character strengths they possess that make them an influential woman and why they find these people so inspirational. 

Year 10

Students have been busy in their Pathways classes exploring how their strengths and interests interplay with their values to shape their personal direction. They undertook the VIA Character strengths survey to view their unique character strengths and from there have now commenced writing their personal values statement that identifies and articulates their personal values. 

Wellbeing Lessons

Clan teachers have been busy exploring the concept of building relationships in the Wellbeing lessons each Thursday. They have been discussing what a positive relationship looks like, what strengths each student brings to the relationship and unpacking how students can use this knowledge explored this term to assist them in strengthening these relationships with those around them.

So, as you can see from this small snippet, students have been quite busy exploring character strengths in a range of contexts. If you would like to explore your own Character Strengths you might like to complete the VIA character strengths free survey online here.