From the Principal

A growth mindset

During our staff professional learning days prior to the commencement of the year, we engaged an excellent guest speaker for our staff. Dan Haesler spoke specifically on how mindset can shape day-to-day decisions.

 

Occasionally we hear comments like ‘I am weak at Mathematics’ or ‘I am not good at sport’. These sorts of comments can be reflective of a ‘fixed mindset’ where there is limited opportunity for growth. Such a way of thinking may lead people to:

  • Avoid challenge
  • Give up easily
  • Dislike effort
  • Ignore feedback/critique
  • Feel threatened by others’ success

Those with a ‘growth mindset’ will look for opportunities to enhance their skills. Typically, people with this mindset tend to:

  • Seek out challenge
  • Persist
  • Revel in the struggle
  • Learn from feedback/critique
  • Feel inspired by others’ success.

Dan Haesler related a terrific story from champion AFL player, Patrick Dangerfield. Like many professional athletes, he was a star in junior sport. However, when he was first drafted by the Adelaide Crows, he was surrounded by other very talented footballers. In early days at training he did not want the ball to be kicked to him because he was fearful of making mistakes.

 

Dangerfield had a choice to make. If he displayed a ‘fixed mindset’ there would be little scope for improvement. However, he chose to work hard on his game and within a few years he was a superstar of the competition.

 

Clearly, our focus will be developing a ‘growth mindset’ amongst our students and staff. That is certainly the message which we have been promoting at recent Parent Information evenings throughout the College.

 

Robert Henderson

Principal

Open Day 2019