Character Curriculum

The MEA Character Curriculum has been developed to further support students’ personal development, starting in Year 7. ​

The character curriculum is designed to support students SMSC development, with a focus on life satisfaction and employability. ​​

At MEA, we develop our students' character through:​​​

  • Making character development explicit, in assemblies, tutor time, in Fantastic Futures lessons and throughout the academic curriculum​​

  • Providing Year 7 students with the MEA 'future foundations' character curriculum  ​​

  • Providing students with opportunities to self-reflect and evidence their progress towards our character benchmarks​.​

Year 7: Future Foundations​

Students work towards six badges - focusing on developing the knowledge, skills and habits which will help them to achieve a Fantastic Future. Each half-term Year 7 students develop their character through engaging in a range of tasks, challenges and self-reflective activities, in which they evidence their character development, based on our character benchmarks. For each badge, the benchmarks are linked to the following statements:​​

  • 'I know...'​​

  • 'I can...'​​

  • 'I have...'​

This curriculum is then built on right the way through to the end of Year 11. ​​​

Character Badge

What does this involve?

I try new things and prepare to succeed

This badge and set of challenges focuses on engaging in the opportunities that MEA has to offer.​

It is about taking part and making the most of your education.​

You’ll complete challenges relating to transitioning to your new year group and setting yourself up for success in the year ahead.

I am an upstander and make a difference to my community

This badge links to being an upstander, helping others and being a community citizen.​

It’s about working together with others and promoting belonging.​

You’ll complete challenges relating to citizenship, antibullying, being an upstander and supporting others.

I am aware of my actions and understand how they can affect others

This badge is all about understanding our actions and choices.​

It’s about our self-respect and taking accountability.​

You’ll complete challenges which guide you to reflect on your attitude to learning, attendance and behaviour.

I demonstrate resilience and learn from my experiences

This badge links to reflecting, setting targets and responding to situations.​

It’s about working hard to achieve your goals.​

You’ll complete challenges relating to independent study, big tests and acting on feedback.

I overcome problems and keep trying when things are tough

This badge is all about perseverance and how we cope with challenges and setbacks.  ​

It’s about keeping going and overcoming problems. ​

You’ll complete challenges which link to perseverance, attendance and working hard towards Big Tests.

I want the best and take pride in what I do

This badge is all about our aspirations and motivation – working hard, getting involved and taking pride in your learning at MEA.​

This badge links to attendance, punctuality and attitude to learning, as these are key to a Fantastic Future. ​

It’s about being present, being recognised and working hard in all aspects of the MEA curriculum.​

You’ll complete challenges  linked to tutor time, subject lessons, independent study, MEA Proud, attendance and your attitude to learning.