Taught not Caught

Nicky Morgan was Education Secretary between 2014 and 2016, and pioneered the UK government initiative introducing character education into English schools through grants and awards. She had a close connection with the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues at the University of Birmingham, and not only gave a named lecture at the University, but also opened the new University School, with its explicit emphasis on character. The title reflects the distinction between explicit and implicit character education where explicit education is given a space on the timetable. The book is excellent introductory overview of the field, drawing on her interaction with quite a number of schools as well as her experience of policy development.

The book begins by defining character and why values, virtues and personal traits matter. Politically, her background is one-nation conservatism with its implications for equality and social mobility. Much of the emphasis has been on so-called performance virtues such as grit and resilience, but it is important to stress that these need to be underpinned by moral virtues if they are not to be abused. The author draws on research showing how explicit character education is associated with enhanced attainment and academic achievement as well as laying the basis for future employability in terms of pupils' personal development. Results are best if character education is embedded in a whole school approach such as values-based schools, but this can be challenging in terms of demands on human resources. Recent reports from the CBI emphasised the importance of attitudes and attributes for employers. There is also a chapter on assessing character, another on outside school activities and coverage of what pioneering schools are already doing. I hope that the book will be widely read within the educational community.