What do we mean by good character?

In keeping with our Christian faith, we believe that good character is the embodiment of humility, honesty, empathy and responsibility. These values act as the moral compass that guides the intellectual and emotional development of our students, to have a positive effect on both themselves and their peers.

This intentional teaching of character has never been more important. Our young people now face pressures and challenges that were unknown to earlier generations. 

However character is the internal value system that enables our children to stay true to themselves and be of good character.

 

We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character - that is the true goal of education.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr

 

 

Character in Action

Shore’s Character in Action programme promotes the importance of virtue and good character based upon the School’s Christian values.

Our aim is to develop a strength of character that empowers students to think clearly and act responsibly when faced with the challenging situations they will encounter on their journey through adolescence to adulthood. It is our intention that they will learn to consider the needs of others ahead of their own and have the moral courage to stand up for what they know is right.

The Character in Action programme challenges our students to consider the type of person they aspire to become, then establish and embrace the values that will guide them there.

Programme Schedule

The Character in Action programme runs from Year 7 to 10. Each year explores different virtues within the concept of what it is to be of good character.

Year 7  Year 8 Year 9 Year 10
Good Men Honesty  Courage Integrity
Respect Gratitude Service Humility

Collaborating with Girls’ Schools

Under the guidance of Shore’s Pastoral Care Team, our collaboration with neighbouring girls’ schools has become an essential component of the Character in Action programme. These interactions form the foundation of a well-rounded education, one that extends beyond mere gender perspectives to deliver a profound understanding of diverse cultures and social dynamics. In this authentic environment, teamwork and open-mindedness naturally occur. Four themes support this holistic, co-educational strategy.

Every year, our Building Connections initiative brings the boys together with girls from Roseville College and Queenwood. These joint sessions provide them with the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions on the importance of respectful relationships and social topics such as consent, mental health awareness and cyber safety. We also use social events to build better connection and develop camaraderie. For example, our participation in the Year 10 formal we share with Pymble Ladies' College goes beyond the dance floor as it requires the students to work collaboratively to plan the occasion. Similarly, our Year 12 students engage in a series of friendly sporting contests with local girls’ schools – events that create the opportunity for fun while engaging in healthy competition.

Our Senior School Cadet Programme is run in conjunction with Wenona School. This programme transcends traditional boundaries, fostering an environment where young boys and girls come together to test their leadership skills within the framework of an army cadet corp. Additionally, around sixty Shore boys and sixty girls from Abbotsleigh come together every year for the Shabbots camp. Another significant feature of Shore's Christian group involves Roseville College. On select Fridays, students from both schools convene for an inspiring session of conversation, games, and biblical insights.

Our Service Learning initiatives also offer numerous opportunities for engagement and collaboration with various girls’ schools. Currently, Shore collaborates with Queenwood for the annual sleepout at Rough Edges and both schools train together for weekly service at the Rough Edges Café. Every year, we also participate in the Sony Camp where the focus is on providing space for fun and skill development to children with disabilities. This experience contributes to our Year 11 students' development by instilling the values of inclusivity and empathy and fostering positive relationships.

Engaging with theatre and drama exposes the boys to the intricacies of the human condition, nurtures empathy, and develops social and emotional intelligence. However, it's our longstanding partnerships with girls’ schools in numerous productions and experiences over the years that has enabled boys to grasp the essence of striving to become good men. These partnerships with girls’ schools extend across Shore's performing arts domain. Students from Roseville College, Wenona, Loreto Kirribilli, Pymble Ladies' College, Willoughby Girls’ High School, SCEGGS Darlinghurst, and Redlands are welcomed annually for the Shore Musical. Often, they are also part of the Year 8 play, Middle School play, Senior play, and Student-Directed productions. Additionally, opportunities have been created for the Senior Theatre Group to attend productions alongside students from girls’ schools with whom we are partners. 

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As the ancient philosopher Lao Tzu said, ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’. Enrolling at Shore will set your child on a path they’ll follow in life.
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