At Royal Grammar School (RGS), we believe in the transformative power of education, nurturing both intellectual excellence and the development of strong character. Our mission is to nurture the individual potential and character of every student to help them become confident, socially responsible young people, prepared for happiness and success in their adult lives. This is underpinned by our core values of Respect, Integrity, and Aspiration, which serve as the foundation for all we do.
Our vision is to provide an exceptional all-round education, and we recognise that character development is integral to achieving this. While character has been a cornerstone of RGS since our founding in 1546, we embarked on a journey in 2021 to further strengthen this focus. Through a comprehensive audit involving the entire RGS community, we identified opportunities to make character development an even more explicit and integral part of the RGS experience.
We have established a clear framework to guide students on their individual character journeys. By fostering personal agency and highlighting the power of positive action, we empower students to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world. Our approach encompasses the four essential pillars of character: moral, civic, intellectual, and performance.
- Moral character guides our interactions, emphasising empathy, integrity, and respect for others.
- Civic character inspires us to be responsible citizens, contributing positively to our community and the world.
- Intellectual character fuels our curiosity and critical thinking, encouraging a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
- Performance character equips us with the resilience, determination, and teamwork necessary to achieve our goals.
By nurturing these four pillars of character, we empower our students to not only succeed academically, but also to lead meaningful and impactful lives. We are dedicated to creating a learning environment where these character traits are not just taught, but lived (caught and sought), ensuring that every student has the opportunity to flourish.
What does Respect look like at RGS?
Respect at RGS is more than just a word; it's a lived experience. It means actively valuing every individual within our community, demonstrating kindness and empathy in our interactions. We strive to create an inclusive environment where differences are not merely tolerated, but celebrated, fostering a sense of belonging for everyone. To truly embody respect, we must consistently ask ourselves: "Do I enable others to feel a sense of belonging?" This self-reflection ensures that our actions align with our commitment to honouring the dignity and worth of each person.
What does Integrity look like at RGS?
Integrity is the cornerstone of our character. It's about consistently acting with courage, humility, and honesty, even when faced with challenging situations. We believe that true integrity means aligning our actions with our values, demonstrating a commitment to ethical conduct in all aspects of our lives. To ensure we are upholding this principle, we must continually ask ourselves: "Am I living a good and right life?" This introspective question prompts us to examine our choices and behaviours, ensuring they reflect the high standards of integrity we aspire to. In essence, what choices do I make when no-one else is watching?
What does Aspiration look like at RGS?
Aspiration is the driving force behind our pursuit of excellence. It's about approaching each day with an open and curious mind, eager to learn and grow. We demonstrate aspiration through unwavering determination and resilience, embracing challenges as opportunities for development. This commitment to excellence means consistently striving to reach our full potential, pushing boundaries, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. In essence, aspiration at RGS is about actively shaping a brighter future through a mindset of growth and unwavering dedication.
How does this support our students to flourish?
To support our students to flourish, RGS cultivates practical wisdom through a blend of intellectual and ethical development. We encourage students to listen thoughtfully, reflect critically, and speak with confidence about their learning, fostering deep understanding and effective communication. Simultaneously, we emphasise selfless leadership, compassionate service, and the embrace of innovation, preparing students to navigate and thrive in a rapidly changing world. By integrating these qualities, we empower students to apply their knowledge and values to real-world situations, developing the practical wisdom necessary to lead fulfilling and impactful lives.
