A DIRECTOR of a Wyre Forest-based multi-academy trust was one of a ‘select’ group of educators to spend two days at Windsor Castle developing a new approach to promoting good citizenship amongst schoolchildren nationwide.

Adrian McLean, director of inclusion and safeguarding at the Severn Academies Educational Trust (SAET), was one of 22 education leaders and academic researchers brought together to discuss the importance of embedding ‘civic character’ in schools and the practical steps through which schools can undertake this work.

Civic character, defined as “knowledge, skills, virtues, and commitment necessary for engaged and responsible citizens” is being developed by world-leading research organisation the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues.

Mr McLean, who was made an Ambassador of Character for the centre at a ceremony at the House of Lords last year, said: “The aim of civic character is for young people to understand their responsibility to their community locally, nationally and globally, by deepening their understanding of who they are, why they exist and how they can serve their purpose.”

He added: “We’re not looking to give something new or additional to add to teachers’ plates, but to make it part of the whole school ethos.

“It can be taught through all lessons, is interconnected with PSHE, citizenship lessons and British Values, can pervade the school environment, culture, customs and practice and create opportunities to make positive change such as through school councils.”

The Jubilee Centre is planning to publish a statement on Embedding Civic Character in Schools later this year.

SAET chief executive Chris King said: “To have one of our leaders at the heart of shaping such an important new educational strategy will be of enormous benefit when the time comes to integrate it into our schools.”