Courage: A fundamental value that promotes positive character development in learning
DBSJP VALUES IN FOCUS: COURAGE
A fundamental value that promotes positive character development in learning
Russell Smart
Deputy Head of Primary
“I will
survive”
It is fair to say
that I often confuse the traits of courage and resilience. Resilience is the
ability to bounce back from adversity, to recover from setbacks and to keep
going in the face of adversity. Resilience is a key component of mental health
and well-being. We are proud of how we support our learners at DBSJP to build
resilience in a number of different areas. Research has shown that resilience
can be developed through a variety of practices, including positive thinking,
social support, and self-care. When we cultivate resilience in and outside of
the classroom, we build our capacity to cope with stress and adversity, and we
become more adaptable and resourceful.
The song "I
Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor is a classic anthem of courage and
resilience. Released in 1978, the song became an instant hit and has since been
covered by many artists. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who has been
heartbroken and left by her lover, but who refuses to be defeated. Instead, she
finds the strength to pick herself up, dust herself off, and keep going. How
many times have you found yourself singing to this anthem of courage and
resilience? The message of the song is clear: courage is the key to survival.
Even in the face of adversity, we can find the strength within ourselves to
persevere and overcome. This message is particularly relevant in our modern
society, where we face many challenges and uncertainties, from global pandemics
to economic crises to social injustice. As parents, perhaps each day is about
survival for us – whether that is getting our children ready in the morning for
school (in my case!) or juggling work and home commitments. As educators, we
see students experience setbacks on a regular basis and perhaps, if we are true
to ourselves, experience our own setbacks and have to dig deep at times.
"A ship is always safe at the shore, but that is not what it is
built for." - Albert Einstein
When we cultivate
courage, we become more confident, more self-reliant, and more resilient. We
learn to trust ourselves and our abilities, and we become more comfortable with
uncertainty and ambiguity. This allows us to take on new challenges and to
pursue our goals and dreams with greater enthusiasm and determination.
Moving to Dubai
11 years ago was as much a risk to my wife and I as it was about having the
initial courage to fill out the application form for a school we had never
seen. After all, we were settled in the UK – living not too far from our home
town, being surrounded by family and friends and having our nice little house. Why
would we move to a ‘strange’ country? We were settled. It is therefore
difficult to comprehend the personal journeys that we have both been on. Yes,
there have been challenges along the way but the person that I have become is a
result of filling out that application form all those years ago and leaving my
safe, quaint village school in the English countryside.
The Lion,
The Witch and Harry Potter
Courage is a
trait that is often associated with bravery, but it goes beyond that. Courage
is the ability to face challenges, to take risks, and to stand up for what is
right, even when it is difficult or unpopular. In education and the real world,
courage is an essential quality that can help us navigate through life's
challenges and make a positive impact on the world around us.
Children's books
are a powerful medium for teaching children about courage. They offer relatable
characters and engaging storylines that can inspire and motivate young readers
to be brave in their own lives. Two of my favourite examples to demonstrate
courage to children in the classroom are "The Lion, the Witch and the
Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis and "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's
Stone" by J.K. Rowling.
In "The
Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," four siblings are transported to a
magical world called Narnia, where they are enlisted to help defeat the evil
White Witch. The character of Aslan the lion represents courage, as he risks
his own life to save others and leads the battle against the White Witch. The
children also show courage in standing up to the Witch and fighting for what is
right, even when it puts them in danger.
Similarly, in
"Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," the main character Harry
must confront the dark wizard Voldemort, who murdered his parents and is
seeking to return to power. Harry shows courage in facing Voldemort, even when
it seems like he is the only one who can stop him. He also shows courage in
standing up to his bullying classmates and fighting for what is right, even
when it makes him unpopular.
These books teach
important lessons about courage that can be applied to education and the real
world. They show that courage involves taking risks and fighting for what is
right, even when it is difficult or unpopular. They also show that courage is
not just about being brave, but about being willing to make sacrifices for the
greater good.
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to
continue that counts." Winston Churchill
As a historian, I
love looking to the past for inspiration. There are many examples of historical
figures who have shown courage in the face of adversity. One example from
British history is Winston Churchill, who was Prime Minister of the United
Kingdom during World War II. Churchill showed tremendous courage in leading the
country through the war, even when it seemed like defeat was imminent. He
inspired the British people with his speeches and his unwavering determination,
and he worked tirelessly to secure victory over Nazi Germany.
Churchill's
courage offers important lessons for the classroom and the real world. It shows
that courage involves leadership and the ability to inspire others to take
action. It also shows that courage is not just about personal bravery, but
about being willing to make difficult decisions that benefit the greater good.
Churchill's example reminds us that courage is essential in times of crisis,
and that it can make all the difference in the face of adversity.
As an education
leader, I have had to make some difficult decisions and whilst I am not
comparing myself to Churchill, I know that with each decision that I have made
there has been a consequence. For some, that might not have been what they
wanted and for others there might have had to be a compromise or change of
direction. But my ‘greater good’, as Churchill suggests, has always been the
interests of the children. Teachers may not always agree with my messages and
parents may not always agree with me either, but if the ‘greater good’ results
in success for the children that I am responsible for, then I will always dig deep
for the courage to share those messages.
Courage is an
essential quality for success in education. Students who are willing to take
risks and stand up for what is right are more likely to succeed in their
academic pursuits. When students show courage in the classroom, they are more
likely to be engaged in their learning and to take ownership of their
education.
One way that
educators can foster courage in their students is by creating a safe and
supportive learning environment – something that is visible across the DBSJP
community. When students feel comfortable taking risks and sharing their ideas,
they are more likely to develop the confidence they need to be courageous.
Educators can also encourage students to take on challenging assignments and
projects, and to seek out opportunities for leadership and service.
Incorporating
literature and history into the curriculum is another way that educators can
teach courage in education. By studying characters like Aslan, Harry Potter,
and Winston Churchill, and even song lyrics like “I Will Survive”, students can
learn about the qualities of courage and how it can be applied in their own
lives. Classroom discussions and assignments can also provide opportunities for
students to practice courage by taking risks, standing up for what is right,
and facing challenges.
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