The Unique Program Created by Kilvington
Kilvington has developed what many people regard as the most advanced system of character building of any school in the Australian education system.
— The Age
Why Teach Character?
Being resilient, courageous, curious, persistent, diligent, and empathic makes life more rewarding. Research shows that building these character strengths in children supports high performance and success throughout life. Positive psychology studies confirm that using character strengths improves students’ school performance, social skills, and enjoyment in school.
A school should do more than impart knowledge - its aim should be to build character. If it does not impress upon its pupils some ideals of honour, duty and service, it has failed in the most important part of school life.
— Caroline Barrett | Kilvington Founder - 1932
Kilvington’s Journey of Character Development
Each year, Kilvington highlights a character trait like gratitude, grit, courage, or curiosity, integrating it into student activities to foster growth and a positive school culture. Programs such as GEM in Junior School and The Resilience Project for Years 5-8 and Year 12 support this focus.
GEM time engages younger students in daily activities around gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness, while The Resilience Project builds emotional skills like empathy. In Year 7, students showcase their learning through the Assembly of Notables, embodying a historical figure of strong character to celebrate leadership and resilience.
Kilvington’s character program means a lot to me. It teaches me honourable character traits and this has helped me become a better person in class and in the playground. I am more positive and thoughtful, respecting those around me and better at being grateful for what I have.
— Student | Year 5
Character and Connection Days
At Kilvington, we prioritize connecting students as a cohort to boost their wellbeing and foster character development. A central part of this is our Senior School Character and Connection Day Program, which aligns with Kilvington’s core values and encourages students to:
- Make meaningful connections, practice compassion and collaborate
- Develop respect for self, each other, environment and the community
- Realise personal potential and spark curiosity
- Expand perspectives of how to positively contribute to the world
Our Character and Connection Days teach students that with resilience, effort, and a growth mindset, their abilities can grow through practice, feedback, and hard work. Programs from external groups like The Man Cave, Reach, and Flying Fox help students build confidence, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to being their best selves.
Kilvington's program is carefully frame worked around each year level and age group:
Year 7 marks the start of senior school, a pivotal time for students to build strong connections with their peers, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment, making connections through:
- Self awareness
- Friendliness
- Gratitude and self discipline
- Team work
Building connections with peers helps children develop social skills, empathy, and communication abilities, laying the foundation for strong relationships and teamwork. These friendships also create a sense of belonging, boost self-confidence, and provide valuable support as they navigate new challenges together.
Year 8 aims to build upon the foundation of strong connections with their peers, focusing on developing respectful relationships through:
- Compassion and care
- Confidence
- Empathy
- Courage
Developing respectful relationships with peers and adults teaches children empathy, cooperation, and effective communication, fostering a positive environment for learning and growth. These respectful connections help children feel valued, build confidence, and establish strong interpersonal skills that are essential throughout life.
At Year 9, the character development workshops are embedded into to Impact Program. Developing personal growth through:
- Persistence
- Responsibility
- Critical thinking
- Empathy
Personal growth during the teenage years helps children develop self-awareness, resilience, and a sense of independence, empowering them to make informed choices and navigate challenges confidently. This period of growth lays the foundation for a positive self-image, healthy relationships, and the ability to pursue goals with motivation and purpose.
Year 10s will experience the Kilvington's Leadership and Personal Development Program–RISE. Developing leadership and growth potential through:
- Leadership
- Confidence
- Creativity
- Resilience
In partnership with Flying Fox, the RISE program provides students with holistic leadership training, personal development workshops, and a challenging camp experience to foster compassion, empathy, and a commitment to helping others.
Developing leadership and growth potential in teens empowers them to take initiative, build confidence, and inspire others, skills that are invaluable in both personal and professional settings. This growth also nurtures resilience and adaptability, preparing teens to tackle challenges and achieve their goals with purpose and a sense of responsibility.
Sinead stepped out of her comfort zone and was truly rewarded by it. She really loved helping her new friend have a great time. This is the first time she had ever done anything so focused on someone else, and I'm very grateful to everyone for encouraging Sinead.
— Stella | Year 10 Parent