The term Growth Mindset refers to a way of thinking, learning and taking part in challenges.  A person with a Growth Mindset is open to constructive criticism, takes feedback and uses it, takes on new challenges, pushes themselves out of their comfort zone and shows resilience and perseverance. 

We want our children to understand that it is okay to be stuck, and that some of their best learning is done when they find things the hardest. Rather than simply praising success we praise effort and persistence.  Our children recognise that effort, persistence and good teaching are what help them improve.

We have been learning about two types of mindset that children and adults can have, a Fixed Mindset and a Growth Mindset.  

Growth Mindset

Those with a Growth Mindset believe that factors such as effort, application and study skills will more accurately determine our levels of success.  They also enjoy success, but only really if they have had to work for what we perceive to be meaningful success.  Setbacks simply give a new goal to aim for, especially if they get good feedback on how to achieve that goal.

• I never give up
• I like my work to be difficult – it means I am learning
• I love challenges 
• I want people to praise me for the effort I put into my work 
• I believe I can get more intelligent by working hard
• I feel clever when I’m learning something new
• I learn from my mistakes

Fixed Mindset

Those with a Fixed Mindset believe that natural ability or talent decides our level of success, even if we have succeeded with very little effort.  They avoid challenges that might question their ability and view setbacks as an indication that something is wrong.

• I like my work to be easy 
• I don’t like to try a challenge 
• I want people to praise me for how clever I am
• I believe I cannot change how clever I am 
• I don’t like to try new things because I won’t be very good at it 
• I give up easily 

It has been proven that having a Growth Mindset can improve children’s progress, attainment and achievements in life. They are successful in all they do and are happy.

As a result, we are teaching our children that by having a Growth Mindset they can grow their brains and intelligence and achieve anything they want!