Awarded the Character Quality Certification
Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College has made history by becoming the first sixth form college in the UK to receive the prestigious School of Character Quality Mark Award. This recognition, bestowed by the Association for Character Education (ACE), underscores the college's dedication to fostering virtues and values in both students and staff.
The award's commendation is particularly focused on the college's Stella Maris Leadership Award programme, which has proven effective in nurturing future leaders among the student body [2][4]. The programme's strengths lie in its ability to empower students, provide high-quality teaching, and cultivate a culture of high standards and positive engagement within the college environment.
The Stella Maris programme is unique in its integration of leadership development with the college's Catholic ethos, inspired by the Apostleship of the Sea (Stella Maris). This alignment with the college's wider mission to cultivate well-rounded individuals capable of strong community and faith-based leadership is a central aspect of the programme's success [3].
The students of Notre Dame are recognised for their considered and respectful manner, mirroring the value-driven culture of the college. The student executive team, in particular, has been commended for creating leadership opportunities [6].
Principal of Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College, Justine Barlow, expressed pride in receiving the award, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of the student executive team and staff [1]. Catherine Herring, a member of the Notre Dame community, also received special recognition in the report for her contributions to the college's commitment to character education [5].
The report commending Notre Dame's character education can be viewed in its entirety [7]. The college's achievement in receiving the School of Character Quality Mark Award is a testament to its outstanding commitment to building character and leadership qualities in its students, contributing to its broader educational excellence [2][4].
The Stella Maris Leadership Award programme at Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College, integrating leadership development with its Catholic ethos, is a key factor in its commitment to education-and-self-development, as evidenced by the School of Character Quality Mark Award. This programme equips students with the skills to become future leaders while promoting a culture of high standards and positive engagement, in alignment with the college's mission to cultivate well-rounded individuals with strong community and faith-based leadership qualities.
