As we enter the midway point of the term, it is again that time of the year where Semester One assessment tasks, results and reporting become a focus. The end of this term will see every student in Years Seven through to Ten receive a report which will be reflective of their contribution and application to learning, as well as their academic performance over the first half of the year. 

The summative feedback that students are given in these reports, and the formative feedback that occurs within classrooms and on individual assessment tasks, is important for their ongoing learning and integral in the development of a Growth Mindset, a concept that is fundamental to improving learning and other aspects of our life. 

Professor Carol Dweck, an American psychologist, found that we all have different beliefs about the underlying nature of ability. Children (and adults!) with a growth mindset believe that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort, persistence, trying different strategies and learning from mistakes. 

“In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.” (Dweck, 2015) https://www.renaissance.com/edwords/growth-mindset/

Below are some links to some resources that are shared with our staff and students to assist with the ongoing promotion of Growth Mindset as part of our everyday conversation around o=iur learning.

RSA ANIMATE: How To Help Every Child Fulfil Their Potential

Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset