Background to CDA

1. The CDA was introduced in 2005 and positioned as one of the two categories of awards in the domain of “Character Development” in the Masterplan of Awards. There are two levels of the CDA, namely:

        Level 1: Development Award (DA) for Character Development

• Development Awards are presented to schools that have put in place sound systems and processes for the development of character.

        Level 2: Outstanding Development Award (ODA) for Character Development

• Outstanding Development Awards recognise schools that have innovative, sustainable and exemplary approaches to character development.

2. The Award focuses on schools’ efforts, that is, the processes, systems and structures that are put in place in a school to develop good character in their students. It does not evaluate if students display traits of good character, as they are still changing, learning and growing.

3. The evaluation criteria for the CDA are based on fundamental principles and approaches highlighted in research as critical for a planned and proactive approach to character development. For the purposes of the Award, the criteria are categorised into the areas and sub-areas of:
        a. Leadership
                i. Vision
                ii. Commitment
        b. Culture
                i. Ethos of Care
                ii. Shared Responsibility
        c. Processes, Systems and Structure
                i. Student-centred Processes
                ii. Approach to Deployment of Resources
                iii. Approach to Learning & Growth
                iv. Approach to Curriculum Design
                v. Approach to Student Management
                vi. Approach to School-Home-Community Collaboration