On 10th July, Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues Director Prof. James Arthur gave a keynote address at the UNICEF Quality Education for Better Schools, Results and Future conference in Podgorica, Montenegro. Prime Minister of Montenegro Milo Jukanovic gave an introductory speech at the event and UNICEF Montenegro Representative Benjamin Perks also spoke. Prof. Arthur and Dan Wright (Head of Faculty at Godalming College and associate of the Jubilee Centre) were panellists for a discussion on character education.

Later, Prof. Arthur gave a UNICEF Activate Talks on Innovations for Inspired Teaching and Learning. 

Prof. Arthur’s Activate Talk was titled ‘Strengthening Character, Virtues and Values through Education’ and a short abstract is provided below:

Abstract:

Character strengths are critical to human flourishing, can be exercised within all human contexts and are educable. Character education is more than just a subject. It has a place in the culture and functions of families, classrooms, schools and other institutions. Character education is about helping students grasp what is ethically important in situations and how to act for the right reasons, so that they become more autonomous and reflective.

The speech given by the British Ambassador to Montenegro Mr Ian Whitting OBE at the conference can be found here.

An overview of the conference is available here (in Montenegrin) with Prof. Arthur speaking from 2.39-3.04. Prof. Arthur speaks on character here.

A link to the slides presented at the conference can be found here

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Character Strengths for the Working World is an essential event for PSHE Leads, Careers Leads, and Character Education Leads within UK educational institutions. Join us on Thursday, 13th July 2023, from 9am to 5pm at the beautiful Botanical Gardens, Birmingham.

 

This one-day conference, organised byThe Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues at the University of Birmingham, aims to provide insights, knowledge, and networking opportunities for professionals committed to enhancing character development and employability skills in their students.

 

Our speakers will share their expertise and perspectives on educational policy and best practices for empowering students to excel in the working world through harnessing their character strengths. The event will include keynote speeches, policy and practitioner panels, interactive sessions, and opportunities to connect with a wide range of professionals and experts in the field.

 

Our line-up of distinguished speakers includes:

• Rt. Hon. Baroness Nicky Morgan (former Secretary of State for Education)

• Bec Tigue (Character Lead at the University of Birmingham School)

• David Harkin (CEO at 8 Billion Ideas)

• Adrian McLean (Character Ambassador and Multi-academy Trust Lead at Severn Academies)

• The Careers and Enterprise Company

 

Food and refreshments:

Morning coffee and pastries, lunch, afternoon tea, and a drinks reception will be provided as part of registration for you to enjoy.

 

Free resources:

There will be multiple free resources available for you to take away at this event. We will be launching a new workbook, based on research funded by the Society for Educational Studies, for use by careers guidance professionals and character educators to help students consider who they are, the character traits they aspire towards, and to align their career choices with this. We will also have multiple other free resources that educators can use within their practice based on over a decade of research at the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues.

 

Attendance is free, but spaces are limited. It is essential to reserve your place in advance to avoid disappointment. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your institution's approach to character education and student employability. Register now to secure your spot at Character Strengths for the Working World.

 

Register here.