Character
Education

“If we wish to renew society, we must raise up a generation of children who have strong moral character. And if we wish to do that, we have two responsibilities: first, to model good character in our own lives, and second, to intentionally foster character development in our young”. Thomas Lickona

Website links

Maldon Community Coronavirus Response - 01621 851997 The helpline remains open between 10am-2pm Mon-Fri for anyone to contact for help with food supplies, medicines or accessing services. The response team is able to provide food parcels for people who cannot get out to shop whether this be due to shielding or as a result of a positive test or a requirement to self-isolate. Up to 2 weeks’ food can be provided as required. Essential Living Fund Please find attached a flyer about emergency support available from the Essential Living Fund (ELF) to people hit by the pandemic. The ELF is receiving extra funding from the Covid Winter Grant Scheme to help people living in Essex with energy and water bills, food and other essential household items. Essential Livining Fund - Leaflet Mental Health support for adults https://www.northessexiapt.nhs.uk/ Mental Health Support for Children and Young People Mental Health Support Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Service The Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Service (EWMHS) provides advice and support to children, young people and families who are in need of support with their emotional wellbeing or mental health difficulties. https://www.nelft.nhs.uk/services-ewmhs/ Anna Freud Gives advice and guidance for Parents and carers to help them support a child or young person experiencing mental ill health or wellbeing. https://www.annafreud.org/parents-and-carers/ https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/ https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/ https://www.mind.org.uk/ https://www.livewellcampaign.co.uk/livewell-articles/mental-health-support-for-young-people/ https://www.themix.org.uk/ Apps Kooth - online mental wellbeing community Shout MeeTwo - Helps you talk about difficult things Chat health - talk to school nurse Young people can contact Chat Health on 07520 615732. Eating Disorders https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/ Beat Peer Support Leaflet Bullying https://www.bullying.co.uk/ LGBT https://www.plume.essex.sch.uk/inclusion https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/young-people/ https://www.youngstonewall.org.uk/ Family Wellbeing and Support for families https://www.essexfamilywellbeing.co.uk/ https://www.familylives.org.uk/ Support for single parents https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/ Other useful websites Online safety https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/ https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/ https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre/ Breck Foundation Charity - Online safety advice for parents The Two Johns Internet safety advice https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/information/young-people/east Whatever you're going through, we encourage you to make positive choices. Children Society do work around healthy relationships, they can help increase your confidence, develop life skills and build your emotional resilience. If you would like to know more about them or you are concerned about a child or young adult in Essex, you can email or call them on 01245 493311. Domestic abuse Next Chapter - Domestic Violence Support In addition to supporting parents and children under 14 year of age, The Next Chapter now have a team of Young Persons Violence Advisors (YPVA) dedicated to Young People aged 14 -19, who are a victim domestic abuse or are living within a family affected by domestic abuse. Referrals can be made by agencies working with the young person or the young person can self-refer. The Next Chapter - Leaflet https://www.thenextchapter.org.uk/ Compass is the single point of access helpline to support victims of domestic abuse across Essex. https://www.essexcompass.org.uk/ Train and Track safety Educating children how to be safe on the railways. http://www.youvstrain.co.uk/
Activities

eSafety Training 'The 2 Johns' Chelmsford Wellbeing Group Youth Service - Holiday Acativites and Food Community Storage Flyer Plume Academy Safeguarding Team is pleased to advise that the Children Society are offering online sessions and activities. These range from self-care, online safety, building relationships, and drug and alcohol awareness to quizzes, dance parties and fun activities to do at home. Details of how to book these sessions can be found by clicking the link below. These sessions do change so contact the Children Society to find out the latest available sessions. All the links include activities that can benefit our children and Young People. First Aid for Children https://firstaidchampions.redcross.org.uk/?fbclid=IwAR2g4Tp-6XqdLd_Zb6Htm9M6dIzj4fXnmDI-lgsMV3A8j5IY_7YVSKKQJao Child Safety Childnet https://www.childnet.com/resources/online-safety-activities-you-can-do-from-home Essex Activities half term Essex Youth A number of fun and exciting online activities for young people aged 13-19 years https://youth.essex.gov.uk/young-people/online-activities/?fbclid=IwAR0_jMsEt1-vQypz5lGJW4N-7_SfjUYGI6kHUKeExfvsb-iuhu30TWciP0E Grow your own gardening course in Maldon District Self Care Activities Self care is about the things we can do to look after our own mental health. Strategies are being shared to help young people with their own mental well being https://www.annafreud.org/on-my-mind/self-care/ Childline Support for parents and young people and online tools and activities https://www.childline.org.uk/toolbox/mood-journal/ Interactive Free Courses for Parents and Carers. These courses cover anxiety, building resilience mindfulness and emotional wellbeing to list a few. https://aclessex.com/community-family-learning-online/
Parents and Carers

Prevent Guide to protecting children from online hate, extremism and fake news
Recent Communication

E-Safety and Online Support letter
Safeguarding documents

E-safety Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022 Anti-Bullying Policy 2021 Child Protection 2021 Behaviour Policy Relationships and Sexual Health Relationships Young People Rights On Social Media Mental health/Emotional well-being Sexual exploitation/Drugs/Gangs and County Lines Child protection policy COVID-19 addendum E-safety Letter Online Safety Resources Online Safety Advice Online Safety Tips Parents and carers to keep children safe online Harmful Sexual Behaviour / Peer on Peer Abuse Policy

Ambition: Desire and determination to achieve success

Strive for our own individual goals and those of others

Demonstrate motivation to thrive in all areas of our lives

Respect: Know your own self-worth and the value you give to society

Recognise we are all different from one another and deserve respect

Care for our immediate and wider environment

Character Education

Character education focuses on teaching and fostering positive character virtues, values, and ethical principles in students. The goal of character education is to help students develop essential qualities and behaviours that promote responsible and respectful citizenship, as well as personal and social growth.

This form of education goes beyond academic learning and aims to shape the moral and ethical compass of students. Character education involves integrating moral and ethical lessons into the curriculum and school culture, creating a supportive environment for students to understand and practice positive values.

The ultimate aim of character education is to prepare students not only for academic success but also for becoming morally upright and socially responsible individuals who contribute positively to society. By promoting good character, we will cultivate a supportive and respectful learning environment that enhances the overall well-being of students at Plume.

The four core Plume values are defined as follows:

Resilience: Embrace the opportunity to face challenges

Value the chance to learn and grow from both our successes and mistakes

Adapt to change and manage stress to overcome set-backs

Community: Recognise the diverse community in which we live

Commit to making a positive contribution

Value and connect with our community with purpose and pride

Practical Wisdom

Practical wisdom, also known as phronesis (a Greek term), refers to the ability to apply knowledge, experience, and sound judgment to navigate complex real-life situations and make wise, well-balanced decisions. To put it simply, practical wisdom “is the ability to do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason.”

Practical Wisdom and Character Education

Practical wisdom and character education are closely linked in their focus on developing individuals who possess ethical values, make responsible decisions, and contribute positively to society. The integration of practical wisdom into character education programs enhances the development of students' moral and ethical reasoning, allowing them to apply their values and virtues effectively in real-life situations.

Here are some ways in which practical wisdom and character education intersect:

Ethical Decision-Making: Practical wisdom emphasises the ability to make morally sound decisions by considering the broader context and consequences of actions. Character education instils ethical values and principles in students, providing them with a strong foundation for making ethical choices.

Balancing Conflicting Values: Character education teaches students about different virtues and values. Practical wisdom helps them navigate situations where different values may conflict, encouraging them to find a balanced approach that upholds ethical principles.

Experience and Learning: Character education often involves reflective practices, encouraging students to learn from their experiences and apply those lessons to future decisions. Practical wisdom, too, is honed through experience, learning, and self-reflection.

Flexibility and Adaptability: Both practical wisdom and character education emphasise the importance of flexibility in decision-making. As students encounter diverse situations, they learn to adapt their understanding of virtues and values to fit the specific circumstances.

Role Models and Mentors: Character education often involves exposure to role models and mentors who embody practical wisdom in their actions. Observing individuals with strong moral character can reinforce the importance of practical wisdom in students' minds.

By integrating practical wisdom into character education, we can help students become not only knowledgeable individuals but also morally responsible and compassionate citizens. This combination of ethical values and practical decision-making skills equips students to face the complexities of life with integrity, empathy, and wisdom.

Civic Values