School education is more than learning about mathematics and other subjects. The schools our children attend guide them into adulthood. An important aspect of being a successful adult is having a strong character. Benefits of a strong character include being professional, making better choices, building resilience and trust, dealing with a crisis, and reducing behavioural problems. Developing specific character traits also support better health, better relationships, and better stress management. We would all like our children to enjoy these benefits.

Centurion Christian School recognises the importance of character development. The ACE curriculum used at the school has sixty biblical character traits built into it. The students get continuous exposure to these character traits. They get to understand these traits because they are explained and used in the study material. Students can also apply them in their lives, and get encouraged through regular awards.

François Davel, author of Character Applied – from concept to practice, highlighted the benefits of developing a strong character. He confirmed, based on his research for the book, that the ACE development approach aligns with international best practice in character development.

Character Applied also links fifteen character traits with 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. These links suggest that if our children develop these character traits they will, in addition to the benefits above, also be able to apply Christian love in practical terms. Fifty-three of the sixty ACE character traits are represented in the fifteen love character traits he uses in Character Applied. The curriculum Centurion Christian School uses thus helps students to apply Christian love practically and develop the character that will position them for successful adulthood.