Māramatanga classes are learning about how their mindset can affect their learning and their lives.

I have recently had the pleasure of hosting two sessions on growth mindset for all Year 9 students. Growth mindset is a way of seeing the world that supports students to be the best version of themselves. Growth happens by having an open mind to try new things and accepting that making mistakes/ not getting it right is a normal part of the growing experience. 

We discussed the science behind how experiences, our mindset, and the effort that we put towards building new skills builds our brains (neuroplasticity). Students made personalised growth mindset mantra cards to use when needed. They also explored what they can and cannot control as a basis for making positive changes in their lives. I enjoyed the student’s enthusiastic singing to growth mindset-themed songs, including Try anything from the film 'Zootopia'. Students offered feedback and said that the workshop helped them to “believe in myself,” “be happy with who I am” and “to realise what I can control and how to deal with it.”

These workshops are part of the Māramatanga programme that is newly woven into the Year 9 curriculum. Māramatanga is a holistic programme around supporting students’ wellbeing, achievement, cognitive growth and overall development. The first part of the programme focuses on Turangawaewae (who we are and where we come from). Year 9 is a pivotal year for our students with the start of their adolescence and we hope to equip them for the ups and downs that this exciting time can bring.