As part of our Character Education programme, we are using the Values in Action (VIA) Character Strengths as a way for students to focus on knowing themselves.

Research has identified 24 Character Strengths. See pdf attached.

We all have and use these character strengths to a greater or lesser degree depending on our personality and the situations we face. We have 5 or 6 that are our signature strengths and use a lot. None are weaknesses.

You can take the free survey yourself and do further reading at this link: https://www.viacharacter.org/character-strengths

In 2020 or 2021, the Year 9, 10 and 11 boys have completed the free Character Strengths Youth Survey online and should have access to their profile to reflect on and discuss with whanau.

In the King’s Man Society classes at Year 9 and 10, at assemblies and in subject areas, we are helping boys understand that we sometimes need to use strengths we are not naturally adept at. Over-using or under-using strengths is important to notice too. As with the cartoon character Popeye using spinach to give himself extra strength, sometimes we need to focus on developing some strengths more to be successful in certain situations.