As a school we are using aspects of the Commando Joe (COJO) Character Curriculum alongside our Themed Curriculum.  The programme focuses upon developing 7 key character traits of Resilience, Empathy, Self-awareness, Passion, Excellence, Communication, and Team work which link to the central character trait of RESPECT.

The design of the Character Curriculum embeds these behaviour traits within a number of exciting

topics based on amazing characters and aspects of their life stories. Significant heroes/heroines, explorers and adventurers such as Ed Stafford, Tim Peake, Ranulph Fiennes and Nancy Wake, have been identified to support children’s understanding of the character traits needed to be successful, as well as create opportunity and integration into classroom cross curricular work.

Each term we hold a Mission week where we introduce the key character topic through a series of cross curricular lessons. Each topic is kick started with a hook into learning, to engage learners from the start. Throughout the term the children then take part in a ‘Mission’ lesson linked to the character and topic they studied during ‘Mission’ week. The 7 core character traits are tried and tested throughout the missions, giving opportunities to practice and understand them, whilst providing strategies for children to self-regulate their own behaviours.

Central to the success of the COJO Character Curriculum is the effective use of relevant military ethos and values – where commitment, honesty, adaptability and courage are a pre requisite for the quality and success of all teams and people within them. The programme will contribute to cultural, physical, spiritual, moral and social wellbeing and play a part in extending each child’s understanding of British values.