Integration of Character Education
At the International School of Bucharest, education goes beyond academics. It’s about shaping character, building strong values, and preparing students to make a meaningful impact in the world. Through our Character Education program, based on the ISB Core Values of Honesty, Empathy, Responsibility, and Open-Mindedness, we nurture students to grow into ethical, compassionate, and responsible global citizens.
HERO is not just a set of ideals—it’s a way of life at ISB. These values guide our students to act with honesty, show empathy toward others, take responsibility for their actions, and embrace the diversity of the world around them. HERO is embedded in our teaching, social activities, and daily interactions, creating a school culture where character and academics thrive hand in hand.
Here’s how Honesty, Empathy, Responsibility, and Open-Mindedness come to life in our school community:
Honesty
- Academic Integrity: Students learn the importance of honest work, avoiding plagiarism, and citing sources correctly.
- Conflict Resolution: We teach students to be open about their actions, admit mistakes, and seek fair solutions when conflicts arise.
- Transparent Communication: Honesty is a key principle in building positive relationships within our school community.
Empathy
- Community Service: From charity drives to volunteering, our students engage in activities that allow them to support those in need.
- Wellbeing Activities: Reflection sessions and classroom discussions encourage students to share and listen, helping them develop emotional awareness and care for others.
- Cultural Celebrations: Events like International Day, Romanian National Day or Chinese New Year Celebrations teach students to appreciate the stories, traditions, and experiences of people from different backgrounds.
Responsibility
- Student Leadership Roles: Opportunities such as house captains and eco-school representatives allow students to lead by example and take responsibility for their teams and school environment.
- Sustainability Efforts: Through initiatives led by our Eco-School Project team like recycling programs and tree planting, students develop a sense of accountability for the planet.
- Ownership of Learning: Students set personal goals, reflect on their progress, and take charge of their own growth and success.
Open-Mindedness
- International Day: Students share and explore cultures, traditions, and languages, cultivating a respect for diversity.
- Debates and Discussions: Through activities like Model United Nations, World Scholar’s Cup, TedX students explore multiple perspectives on complex issues, broadening their worldview.
- Inquiry-Based Learning: Our curriculum encourages students to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and engage with new concepts with curiosity and respect.
At ISB, the HERO values are more than just words—they shape who we are as a community. Together, we are building a school culture that not only celebrates academic success but also inspires students to become HEROes in their own lives, ready to make a meaningful difference in the world.
Communicating Clear and Consistent Expectations—Everywhere
It’s important to consider all available avenues to integrate your identified character traits throughout the school building and the school day. The same goes for your expectations—if everyone is on the same page, it will be easier for students to understand appropriate behaviour. Students should be able to practise CORE
Confidence, Communication, CC
Open-mindedness, O
Responsibility, Respect RR
Empathy. E
in science class, gym class, the lunchroom, after-school activities, school events and outside of the school.
A great use of student creativity and influence is to allow students to create and communicate ways of practising CORE. Have them identify ways to practise the CORE in each setting and work with the adults in that space to ensure expectations meet the expected standard. All stakeholders’ buy-in is also an important part of this process. As they are involved in processes, they are more apt to participate because their voice is included and appreciated willingly.
“We are practising the CORE during the Winter Fair” short video competition is a nice example of engaging all the stakeholders to determine ways and encourage everyone to practice the CORE, specifically during the Winter Fair.
Firstly, we have asked everyone to share their opinion on practising CORE during the winter fair.
Secondly, we designed a poster to display the input of the stakeholders.
Thirdly, share the poster with stakeholders.
Fourthly, we asked our students to share a short video on how they practised the CORE during the winter fair.
Following this way helped us to be on the same page and be clear about basic ways to practice the CORE during the Winter Fair.
This experience will help all stakeholders, especially students, to think about ways to practice CORE in other areas of their life.
We are practising C.O.R.E. everywhere and all the time!
Because it is the right thing to do!