Growth Mindset at Howbury School

At Howbury School, we champion a Growth Mindset—the belief that intelligence and abilities are not fixed traits but can be developed through hard work, perseverance, and learning from challenges. This philosophy is central to our educational approach, fostering an environment where students, teachers, and parents collaborate to embrace effort, resilience, and a love for learning.

Useful links to learn more about Growth Mindset

Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset

Growth Mindset Parenting

Growth mindset tips

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Benefits of a Growth Mindset

For Students

Resilience: Students learn to bounce back from setbacks and view challenges as stepping stones to success.
Curiosity and Creativity: A growth mindset nurtures an openness to exploring new ideas and taking risks.
Confidence and Independence: Students develop a strong belief in their ability to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

For Teachers

Framework for Guidance: it helps teachers’ model and instil growth-oriented behaviours and attitudes in students.
Supportive Classroom Culture: Teachers foster a positive environment where all students feel safe to take risks and make mistakes.

The Howbury Growth Mindset Charter

At the heart of our growth mindset philosophy is the Ten-Point Growth Mindset Charter. This charter serves as a guiding framework for students and teachers, helping them develop habits and attitudes that promote continuous improvement and resilience.

How It Works

Daily Affirmations: The charter is converted into affirmations that students recite each day, reinforcing principles like perseverance, adaptability, and learning from mistakes.
Guided Instruction: Teachers integrate the charter into lessons and use it as a tool to guide student behaviour and mindset during challenges.
Beyond the Classroom: Students are encouraged to apply these affirmations and principles in their everyday lives, building a lifelong growth mindset.

Sample Affirmations from the Charter

“I can learn anything with effort and practice.”
“Mistakes are proof I am trying.”
“Challenges are opportunities to get stronger.”
“I will keep trying even when things are tough.”
“I am not afraid to ask for help because learning is my goal.”

Fostering a Growth Mindset at Howbury

In the Classroom

Focus on Effort and Process: Teachers praise effort, strategy, and persistence rather than natural ability.
Mistakes as Learning Opportunities: Students are encouraged to see mistakes as part of the learning process, fostering resilience.
Challenging Goals: Lessons are designed to stretch students’ abilities while providing the necessary support for success.
Reflection and Feedback: Students regularly reflect on their progress, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate personal growth.

In Daily Practice

Growth Mindset Language: Both students and teachers use encouraging phrases like, “I can’t do it yet, but I’m working on it.”
Problem-Solving Opportunities: Students are encouraged to approach challenges with curiosity and a willingness to try new strategies.
Collaborative Learning: Group activities promote teamwork and mutual support, reinforcing that growth is a collective journey.

Fostering Growth Mindset at Home

Parents play a crucial role in fostering a growth mindset. By reinforcing these principles at home, they can help their children develop resilience and a love for learning.

Parent Tips for Fostering a Growth Mindset

Praise the Effort, Not the Outcome
Focus on your child’s hard work and determination, rather than their grades or results. For example, say, “I’m proud of how much effort you put into this,” instead of, “You’re so smart.”
Encourage Risk-Taking
Help your child see mistakes as opportunities to learn. Share your own experiences of trying something new and the lessons you gained from the process.
Model Growth Mindset Language
Use phrases like, “Let’s figure this out together,” or, “What can we try next time?” to model a positive approach to problem-solving.
Celebrate Perseverance
When your child overcomes a challenge, acknowledge their persistence and determination.
Ask Open-Ended Questions
Encourage your child to reflect on their learning by asking questions like, “What did you learn from this experience?” or, “What would you do differently next time?”

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