The importance of looking beyond political literacy for Generation Z

By Andrew Peterson, Professor of Character and Citizenship Education and Deputy Director of the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, University of Birmingham.  “It is civic character that enables young people to develop the sense of purpose and intent so important to meaningful political engagement and which, in turn, helps them to understand and reflect … Continue reading “The importance of looking beyond political literacy for Generation Z”

Happiness: What Does this Mean in Education?

By Paul Watts, Research Fellow Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtue, University of Birmingham Much attention has been given to the concept of happiness, both in the UK and internationally, with Theresa May appointing a minister to tackle loneliness, the launch of the 2018 World Happiness Report, and the work of the Ministry of State … Continue reading “Happiness: What Does this Mean in Education?”

Random Acts of Kindness: Displaying Moral Character or the Pursuit of Likes?

By Aidan Thompson, Director of Strategy and Integration Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtue, University of Birmingham “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention”. Saturday 17 February 2018 is National Random Acts of Kindness Day, where people are encouraged to perform acts of kindness either at random, or for random … Continue reading “Random Acts of Kindness: Displaying Moral Character or the Pursuit of Likes?”

Morality: what it is and how to teach it

By Michael Hand, Professor of Philosophy and Education School of Education, University of Birmingham Schools in England are legally required to promote the moral development of pupils. But what exactly does this involve? Most people agree that morality is important and needs to be taught, but when it comes to saying what it is and … Continue reading “Morality: what it is and how to teach it”