1st Edition
Becoming a Growth Mindset School The Power of Mindset to Transform Teaching, Leadership and Learning
Becoming a Growth Mindset School explores the theories which underpin a growth mindset ethos and lays out how to embed them into the culture of a school. It offers step-by-step guidance for school leaders to help build an approach to teaching and learning that will encourage children to embrace challenge, persist in the face of setback, and see effort as the path to mastery. The book isn’t about quick fixes or miracle cures, but an evidence-based transformation of the way we think and talk about teaching, leading, and learning.
Drawing upon his own extensive experience and underpinned by the groundbreaking scholarship of Carol Dweck, Angela Duckworth, and others, Chris Hildrew navigates the difficulties, practicalities, and opportunities presented by implementing a growth mindset, such as:
- forming a growth mindset curriculum
- launching a growth mindset with staff
- marking, assessing, and giving feedback with a growth mindset
- growth mindset misconceptions and potential mistakes
- family involvement with a growth mindset.
Innovatively and accessibly written, this thoroughly researched guide shows how a growth mindset ethos benefits the whole school community, from its students and teachers to parents and governors. Becoming A Growth Mindset School will be of invaluable use to all educational leaders and practitioners.
Foreword
Introduction
Chapter 1: What is growth mindset?
Chapter 2: Character Education
Chapter 3: Why growth mindset?
Chapter 4: The Biscuit Club
Chapter 5: Launching growth mindset with staff
Chapter 6: Leading with a growth mindset
Chapter 7: A growth mindset curriculum
Chapter 8: Attitude determines altitude
Chapter 9: Language and interaction in a growth mindset school
Chapter 10: Marking, assessment and feedback with a growth mindset
Chapter 11: Staff development in a growth mindset school
Chapter 12: Growth mindset for families
Chapter 13: Growth mindset misconceptions and missteps
Chapter 14: Towards a growth mindset culture
Acknowledgements
Bibliography
Index
Biography
Chris Hildrew is Headteacher at Churchill Academy & Sixth Form, UK. He has launched and developed a growth mindset ethos as Deputy Headteacher at Chew Valley School and as Headteacher at Churchill Academy & Sixth Form. Chris also provides training to other schools wishing to embed a growth mindset ethos.
"This is an exceptionally well researched and well written book on a very interesting and popular topic. Chris expertly marries the latest theoretical research with practical and applied suggestions. The book covers the nuances, subtleties and challenges one faces when helping students and staff develop their mindset. It is refreshing to read about what does and doesn’t work. Whereas too many other books make it sound too simple and easy, Chris makes you realise that developing a growth mindset is certainly challenging, but incredibly worthwhile and satisfying. It is nice to read the experiences of someone who has first-hand implemented so much of what he is discussing, as his advice and reflections are invaluable to anyone starting along a similar path. I will be recommending this book to all teachers we work with. I have no doubt that this book will quickly becoming essential reading for all teachers, senior leaders and head-teachers." - Bradley Busch, Director of InnerDrive, UK
"This eminently practical book by experienced school leader Chris Hildrew is indispensable reading for anyone committed to adopting a whole-school Growth Mindset approach to teaching, learning and leadership. I loved the clarity of the style, the simplicity and power of the message, the myriad examples to support successful practical application of the well-explained concepts and strategies. I thought the chapter on Staff Development was especially stunning. And I loved the warmth, heart and sense of moral purpose which run through the book. Chris is an exceptional school leader and an excellent role model. We can learn much from his powerful example. I strongly recommend this book for teachers and school leaders everywhere." - Dr Jill Berry, Former headteacher, leadership consultant and education commentator
