Character First | Everton Free School

We design and deliver bespoke character development strategies through integrated programmes of affordable trips and enrichment activities.

‘Character First have been an extremely valuable resource at EFS. Having lead on student voice workshops they have allowed us to begin construction on a student centred extended curriculum and personal development offer that reflects the interests of our young people.’

What We Do

At Character First, we specialise in partnering with schools to foster student character development. We collaborate closely with educational institutions to craft bespoke character development strategies and secure the most effective programmes at competitive prices. Our process involves a comprehensive analysis of needs, strategic negotiations with suppliers, evaluation of programme impact, and annual reviews to ensure ongoing success. This approach guarantees a streamlined and impactful character development journey for students.

The Process

Our process begins with strategy development, involving needs analysis, value design, and team development, leading to an annual Character Strategy Action Plan. Our research team then creates tailored enrichment and curriculum enhancement options, offering three choices from our top-rated supplier database, emphasising quality and cost-effectiveness. We also negotiate and seek additional funding where possible to reduce financial burdens.

Once a programme is chosen, we handle bookings, logistics, and provide essential information. Free services like risk audit advice are included. Periodic Impact Reviews ensure smooth progress with feedback and data analysis. Our Annual Review sets the course for the next year. At Character First, we’re dedicated to providing innovative, cost-effective character development solutions, allowing educators to focus on nurturing student growth.

Framework

Strategy Development
At the outset, our process involves a comprehensive analysis to understand a school’s unique needs. This foundational step ensures that we can tailor a strategic plan that aligns with the school’s objectives for the year. Through a collaborative approach, we work closely with the school’s leadership to identify key areas of development.

Programme Design
Following the strategic development phase, we move on to designing bespoke programmes that address the identified needs of the school. This involves a creative process where we explore a range of projects, meticulously selecting those that promise the most value. Our focus during this phase is on creating innovative and engaging programmes.

Programme Delivery
Upon the school’s approval of a project, our team takes charge of the comprehensive execution phase. This includes managing all logistical aspects such as bookings and coordination. Our aim is to alleviate the administrative burden from the school, ensuring a seamless and hassle- free implementation.

Impact Review
The final phase of our framework is the Impact Review. Throughout the duration of the programme, we maintain a rigorous process of monitoring and evaluation. Regular reporting to the school ensures transparency and accountability, allowing us to measure the programme’s effectiveness.

Workshop Series

Leadership

Overall Objective
To provide a comprehensive leadership development experience, culminating in a practical application of learned skills, thereby preparing students for effective leadership roles.

Introduction to Leadership
Duration: 40-60 minutes
Focus: Introducing foundational Ieadership concepts, diverse leadership styles, and personal leadership assessment through interactive presentations and discussions.

Communication and Team Dynamics
Duration: 40-60 minutes
Focus: Enhancing communication skills, understanding team dynamics, and conflict resolution strategies through role-playing activities and group discussions.

Decision Making and Ethical Leadership
Duration: 40-60 minutes
Focus: Developing decision-making skills, critical thinking, and ethical leadership understanding through scenario-based activities and reflective exercises.

Planning and Leading a Team Building Session
Duration: 40-60 minutes
Focus: Applying leadership skills by planning and executing a team-building session for younger students, including session design, facilitation, and feedback evaluation.

Resilience

Overall Objective
To progressively introduce, apply, and challenge resilience skills in a variety of settings, preparing students to effectively handle stress and adversity.

Introduction to Leadership
Duration: 40-60 minutes
Focus: Introducing resilience concepts and basic coping strategies through interactive presentations and group discussions.

Resilience in Teams
Duration: 40-60 minutes
Focus: Practicing resilience skills within the school through team-building exercises, role-playing scenarios, and reflective journaling.

Resilience in the Outdoors
Duration: 40-60 minutes
Focus: Applying and challenging resilience skills in an unfamiliar setting via outdoor activities and team challenges, followed by reflective debriefs.

Aspirations

Overall Objective
To inspire and equip students with the tools and mindset necessary to set, pursue, and achieve their personal and professional aspirations.

Discovering Your Aspirations
Duration: 40-60 minutes
Focus: Identifying personal strengths and interests, understanding the concept of aspiration, and beginning to define individual goals.

Vision Mapping and Goal Setting
Duration: 40-60 minutes
Focus: Creating detailed vision boards to visualize aspirations, setting SMART goals, and outlining steps to achieve them.

Overcoming Obstacles and Building Resilience
Duration: 40-60 minutes
Focus: Recognising potential challenges in pursuing aspirations, developing resilience and problem-solving strategies.

The Power of Role Models and Mentors
Duration: 40-60 minutes
Focus: Learning from successful role models, understanding the importance of mentorship, and initiating mentor relationships.

Media Influencers
Overall Objective
To empower students to critically assess media influences. foster emotional intelligence. promote gender equality, and inspire personal aspirations.

Media and Mindsets
Duration: 40-60 minutes
Focus: Enhancing media literacy and critical thinking, and creating aspiration maps to align media influence with personal goals.

Emotional Intelligence and Future Visions
Duration: 40-60 minutes
Focus: Building emotional intelligence and self-respect, coupled with visualizing future success and aligning it with current actions.

Equality, Respect and Role models
Duration: 40-60 minutes
Focus: Exploring gender equality and respectful relationships, analysing aspirational role models for positive influence.

Defining Success and Setting Goals
Duration: 40-60 minutes
Focus: Rethinking success beyond material gains, planning personal aspirations, influenced by positive role models.