At The Legacy Learning Trust, we recognise that education is not merely about developing learners’ knowledge and skills, it is about developing citizens of good character for the future: good neighbours, good employers and employees, good partners and parents. We believe that traits such as self-belief, motivation, resilience, and social confidence are essential for personal growth and engagement with the world around us. Our approach to our Character Curriculum goes beyond the classroom and is woven into every aspect of school life, helping our learners build a strong moral compass, develop a sense of social justice and foster cooperation with others. We recognise that a learner’s character is subject to a variety of influences and that our schools have a crucial role in developing these positive character traits.
The Character Curriculum is interwoven across a wide range of curricular and extra-curricular areas. Through PSHE and SMSC, learners explore moral issues and values, developing empathy, kindness and fairness. In Computing, pupils learn to evaluate sources and recognise misinformation, cultivating honesty and integrity. In other subject areas, themes of justice, respect and responsibility are explored, giving learners opportunities to reflect on ethical dilemmas and real-world challenges.
Our Character Curriculum is further strengthened by leadership opportunities beyond the classroom. Learners may serve on school councils, mentor peers or lead community projects—experiences that nurture cooperation, decision-making. Extra-curricular activities such as sports, drama, music and clubs develop key character traits such as perseverance, teamwork, creativity and respect for others. In these settings, learners experience both challenge and growth, learning that setbacks are stepping stones and that effort, self-expression and collaboration lead to success.
The Character Curriculum also enhances our learners’ mental and physical wellbeing, relationships and their capacity to engage meaningfully with the world, preparing them to navigate life’s complexities with resilience, compassion and purpose. Through this commitment, we are not only preparing learners for success in school but for life itself—empowering them to contribute positively to society and make a difference in the world.
‘The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.’
Martin Luther-King, Junior
