At our school, we believe every child can grow, learn and flourish with the right support. This belief is rooted in research which shows that when children understand their abilities can develop, they become more motivated, resilient and confident learners.

What Is a Growth Mindset?

A growth mindset is the understanding that intelligence, skills and talents can be developed through persistence, effort and a focus on learning. Children with a growth mindset may struggle or make mistakes, but they recognise that these challenges help them improve.

People with a growth mindset are:

• Open to challenges and constructive feedback
• Resilient when they face obstacles or initial failure
• Convinced that their effort makes a real difference
• Likely to attribute success to their own hard work rather than natural ability
• Able to learn well with and from others
• More likely to achieve long‑term success and sustain it

In contrast, a fixed mindset is the belief that abilities are predetermined and unchangeable.

Children who think this way may avoid difficult tasks, give up easily or feel anxious about making mistakes.

Why Mindset Matters

Children with a growth mindset:

• Embrace challenge rather than fear it
• Persist when learning feels difficult
• Understand that mistakes are opportunities to grow
• Feel less pressure to be “right” straight away and more motivated to improve over time

These attitudes help children build resilience, curiosity, independence and a love of learning — all essential for success both in school and in life.

How We Teach Growth Mindset in School

Across our curriculum, we help children focus on learning goals rather than simply performance goals.
This means valuing:

• Persistence
• Trying out different strategies
• Repetition and practice
• Learning from mistakes
• Trial and error

We also teach children about the Power of “Yet”.
Instead of “I can’t do this”, we encourage:
“I can’t do this… yet.”
This helps children see challenges as temporary and effort as meaningful.

How You Can Support a Growth Mindset at Home

Here are simple, effective ways you can help nurture a growth mindset:

1. Praise the Process, Not the Person

Focus on effort, strategies and perseverance rather than praising “cleverness” or natural talent.
Try:

• “You worked really hard on that.”
• “I love how you kept going even when it was tricky.”

2. Use ‘Yet’ Language

This small word boosts confidence and resilience:

• “You can’t do it yet — but you’re getting closer each time.”
• “You haven’t found the best way yet.”

3. Talk About the Brain Like a Muscle

Explain that the brain becomes stronger when you practise, revisit and challenge yourself.

4. Celebrate Mistakes

Help children see mistakes as valuable information:

• “What did this teach you?”
• “What could you try differently next time?”

5. Model a Growth Mindset Yourself

Avoid saying things like “I’m no good at maths.”
Try instead:

• “I’m still learning this.”
• “This is tricky, but I’ll get better with practice.”

6. Encourage Challenge and Trying New Things

Support your child in trying something new, even if it feels difficult. Celebrate bravery and effort, not perfection.

7. Stay Positive

A hopeful, encouraging home environment helps children feel safe to take risks, make mistakes and keep going.

Together, We Grow Confident, Resilient Learners

By building a culture that values effort, perseverance and self-belief, we help children grow into capable, confident learners who are ready to face challenges — both in school and beyond. Thank you for working with us to nurture a growth mindset in every child.