Unlocking Potential: The Power of Character Strengths in Student Wellbeing
At our College, student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Through Positive Psychology, we empower our students to thrive by embedding the PERMA framework - shaped by our Augustinian Graduate Lenses - into daily school life. A vital part of this approach is the recognition and celebration of character strengths: 24 universally valued traits such as kindness, perseverance, leadership, and creativity. These strengths provide students with a foundation for resilience, confidence, and self-awareness, guiding them toward a flourishing future.
Why Character Strengths Matter
In today’s world, where social media often dictates unrealistic ideals of success and identity, it is more important than ever to help young men develop a strong sense of self. Character strengths give students the language to express who they truly are when they are at their best. By identifying and leveraging their strengths, they can become more engaged in learning whilst building meaningful relationships, and developing a sense of purpose.
Bringing Character Strengths to Life in School
Our AWE (Augustinian Wellbeing in Education) sessions and lessons encourage students to explore their top character strengths, and show them how to apply them in everyday situations - whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or when facing personal challenges. By understanding and utilising these strengths, students can become more confident and better equipped to handle adversity.
The Role of Parents in Nurturing Strengths
Parents play pivotal roles when it comes to reinforcing character strengths at home. Recognising and naming a child’s strengths in action—such as creativity in problem-solving or bravery in stepping out of their comfort zone - can really help them see their potential more clearly. Simple acknowledgments like, “I really admire your perseverance in finishing that project” or “Your kindness in helping your friend today was wonderful” can boost confidence and motivation.
Parents can also model character strengths in their own lives. Demonstrating gratitude, fairness, or humour in everyday interactions shows children how these strengths can positively shape relationships and decision-making.
Want to Learn More About Character Strengths?
For those who would like to learn more about character strengths, we have compiled a list of our best recommendations and resources:
Book: The Strength Switch by Dr. Lea Waters - A practical guide for parents on shifting focus from weaknesses to strengths to help children thrive.
Book: The Power of Character Strengths by Ryan M. Niemiec & Robert E. McGrath – A guide to understanding and applying the 24 character strengths in daily life.
Website: VIA Institute on Character (www.viacharacter.org) - Offers free character strengths assessments, articles, and resources for families.
Video: The Science of Character (8-minute film by Tiffany Shlain) - An engaging YouTube video explaining how character strengths shape our lives.
Together, We Help Our Students Flourish
By embracing character strengths at school and at home, we can create a supportive environment where the boys feel valued for who they truly are. As a community, we are committed to helping our students develop the skills and confidence needed to navigate life’s challenges with strength and purpose. Through this approach, we nurture young men who are not only academically capable but also compassionate, resilient, and ready to make a positive impact in the world.
