Integrated school charters: the implementation of special character clauses

Abstract

Implementation of special character clauses in Catholic school charters is analysed. 'Special character' is defined and discussed in relation to Gospel values. The structures of responsibility are examined in light of Tomorrow's Schools with a reassessment of who is to take responsibility for implementing special character clauses. The need for school communities to have a clear understanding of the meaning of special character is highlighted, as is the importance of the Catholic school ethos in the faith development of the students. The content of Mission Statements and General Goals of fifteen Catholic school charters, in the Archdiocese of Wellington, are analysed and compared in relation to socio-economic and rural/urban location. Content analysis is also made of specific references to 'Gospel values'. The approaches taken by various schools to writing special character clauses into their charters and the implementation thereof are discussed. Possible future developments are considered and areas of further research are suggested.