At Repton Al Barsha we focus on a holistic approach to learning; providing our pupils with the tools needed to become the best version of themselves. A part of this approach is developing their resilience, emotional intelligence and logical reasoning in order to foster a growth mindset.

Children often have very different reactions to challenges and setbacks they experience. Some people avoid challenges while others actively pursue them.

Psychologist, Carol Dweck was the first to describe the idea of mindset, as a way different student perceive their abilities.

  • “Those with a ‘fixed’ mindset believe they’re born with certain intelligence, skills and abilities that cannot change. They’re often tempted to see mistakes as failures and may be tempted to give up when things get hard.
  • In contrast, students with a ‘growth’ mindset know they can develop their skills and talents through effort and persistence. These students are comfortable confronting challenges and are receptive to lessons and feedback”.

At Repton Al Barsha we believe that integrating a growth mindset into the classroom leads to improved student learning. We promote this by engaging our pupils in activities that push them out of their comfort zone including, problem solving, leadership tasks and public speaking.

In sport, we often speak to our pupils about the importance of winning and losing; we promote healthy competition and teach our pupils how to process their feelings about winning and losing. Whilst winning and success allows our pupils to feel a sense of achievement and pride, it is important to recognize that losing is sometimes inevitable.

The goal is to cultivate important skills such as reflective practice, logical reasoning and critical thinking to enable them to overcome their challenges. These strategies help students better cope with transitions, reduce stress, improve self-esteem, whilst enhancing resilience. Often once you taste success, this can lead to a drive and need for future successes in other areas of the curriculum.

4 WAYS TO HELP DEVELOP GROWTH MINDSETS

EMBRACE IMPERFECTION: Encourage children to view their mistakes as important steps in their learning journey. Reinforce the idea that no one has ever learned something valuable without making mistakes along the way.

REFRAME CHALLENGES AS OPPORTUNITIES: Cultivating a growth mindset is about teaching children how to learn and use strategies to overcome challenges.

PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELF-EVALUATION: Take time to help reflect on both their successes and failures. Help them discover more about their ability to work through a problem to find a solution.

MODEL A GROWTH MINDSET: As critical role models for children, it’s important for parents and teachers to let our pupils see their growth mindset in action. Speak with them about situations you find difficult, this will allow them to recognise that we all have to work through challenges in order to progress.

“It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer” – Albert Einstein.

Mr. T. Asbury Director of Sport