Growth Mindset

The term ‘Growth Mindset’ refers to a way of thinking, learning and taking on challenges.  A person with a growth mindset is open to constructive criticism, takes feedback and uses it, takes on new challenges, pushes themselves outside his/her comfort zone and shows resilience and perseverance.

Studies show that it is people with a growth mindset (as opposed to a fixed mindset) who achieve in life, are successful in what they do and are happy.

Growth Mindset has been introduced throughout High March. Here is a selection of ways in which Growth Mindset has been introduced and reinforced to pupils:

• There are numerous displays around School to help familiarise pupils with the concepts and the vocabulary and the latter has also been incorporated into our marking.
• Discussion of topics such as perseverance, recognising failure as being a step towards success, understanding how the brain works etc have been included in Assemblies.
• Junior House pupils and the Pupil Council at Upper School have voted on a selection of motivational quotes which they would like to see displayed around the School.
• ‘Work at it Fizz’ and ‘Give up Gerty’ soft toys have been introduced  for girls in  Reception to Year 3 as an aid to understanding ‘Growth Mindset’.

Our Growth Mindset Charter

• We remember it’s always okay to make mistakes – we learn from them.
• We never give up! We listen to advice, use a different strategy and we persevere.
• We don’t compare ourselves with others, but we do learn from others.
• We challenge ourselves – which really helps us make progress.
• We push ourselves outside our comfort zone – we don’t limit ourselves by taking the easy option.
• We join in as much as possible – and we learn much more by being involved.
• We remember that the reward of mastering something new is worth hard work and effort.
• We remember that the brain is making new connections all the time – the more we practise something we find difficult, the easier it becomes.