Grit and Determination

Grit – a funny old fashioned word that not many people may have heard. Grit is having determination, perseverance, tenacity and courage. So why is “grit” important and why should it be something that we should be developing in our students.

Angela Duckworth is a psychologist who left a high-flying job in consulting, and took a job teaching math to seventh graders in a New York public school. She quickly realized that IQ wasn't the only thing separating the successful students from those who struggled. What she discovered was that “grit” was the best predictor of success. “One characteristic emerged as a significant predictor of success. And it wasn't social intelligence. It wasn't good looks, physical health, and it wasn't IQ. It was grit.” Grit will become more recognized as a vital part of 21st century student success -- as well it should be.

So how can we develop grit in our young people?

1.Talk About Grit. When we talk about persevering when things are tough, challenge ourselves to try something that is hard and keep trying even if we don’t fail the first time then we start to develop the idea that success comes from hard work and tenacity.

2. Share Examples of people who have demonstrated grit in the face of adversity.

3. Help Students Develop a Growth Mindset
Carol Dweck from Stanford University teaches us that students who have a growth mindset are more successful than those who think that intelligence is fixed. At JPC we are constantly talking to studetns about a growth mindset – that working hard and persisting with challenges earns success. They are not allowed to talk about not being “good’ at something. I often hear parents saying that they were never good at Maths (or English, Science or some other subject) and child is like them. As adults we also need to change our thinking and that if we work extra hard on something then eventually we will get better at it.

4. Reframe Problems
Students need perspective about problems to prevent them from giving up, quitting or losing hope. Talking about how to solve a problem rather than talking about how big the problem is.

5. Live Grittily
You teach with your life. Our own work ethic yells so loudly that kids know exactly what we think about grit. Are we modelling grit to our children?

6. Foster Safe Circumstances That Encourage Grit
Never mistake engaging, fun or even interesting for easy. We don't jump up and down when we tear off a piece of tape because "I did it." No one celebrates easy, but everyone celebrates championships and winners because those take grit (and more). We need more circumstances to help kids to develop grit before they can "have it."

Tough academic requirements, sports and outdoor opportunities are all ways to provide opportunities for developing grit. A recent example at JPC was our Cross Country Carnival. The students who completed the course but very slowly were cheered as enthusiastically as the students who ran in first. The students who missed out were those who were allowed to stay home on this day. As teachers we notice the high rates of absences on the days that tests are set or assignment are due. These students are also not learning about the important lesson of courage and facing up to difficult situations.

7. Acknowledge the Sacrifice Grit Requires
Grit takes time, and many students aren't giving it. In their 2010 paper "The Falling Time Cost of College", Babcock and Marks demonstrate that, in 1961, U.S. undergraduates studied 24 hours a week outside of class. In 1981, that fell to 20 hours, and in 2003, it was 14 hours per week. This is not to create a blame or generation gap discussion, but rather to point out the cost of being well educated. We are what we do, and if we study less and work less, then we will learn less.
Grit will become more recognized as a vital part of 21st century student success -- as well it should be.
(Developing Grit in students was adopted from Vicki Davis @coolcatteacher Computer Fundamentals, Computer Science and IT Integrator from Camilla, GA)

You can view Angela Duckworth talking about her theory on a TED talk

On Thursday 26th of May, each House group spent time in their areas remembering those affected by the Stolen Generations for National Sorry Day. The House Leaders led the event which involved watching a scene from the true story, Rabbit-Proof Fence and listening to the stories of Australia’s history which has shaped how we approach Reconciliation Week today.

The significance of JPC remembering this allowed us to recognise that many of the Stolen Generations are alive today through our student’s parents and grandparents who were are related to or know children that were removed and separated from their families, growing up with no traditional knowledge or connection to culture. When we meet to commemorate National Sorry Day, we do so by showing respect and remembrance in a similar way as when we meet on other days of historical significance, such as ANZAC Day.

Students were given a paper candle which symbolises healing. With this candle, they were invited to write or draw their own message or commemoration for the Stolen Generations. During this time, students were encouraged to reflect on the true meaning of Sorry Day and to express the emotions felt, giving them an opportunity to share their thoughts about the Stolen Generations. Once they finished, each student brought their candle forward and planted it in the Reconciliation Pot. 

Reconciliation Week began on the 27th of May and this represents an opportunity for all Australians to learn about this country’s shared histories, cultures and achievements. At JPC we explored how relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and other Australians can be strengthened, in order to build momentum for national reconciliation. Kennedy House were on staff morning prayer and morning tea this week and led us in a sentimental journey when reading the ‘Redfern Prayer’. On Friday the 3rd of June we held a cupcake stall to raise money for the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience and students were also invited to watch the whole movie ‘Rabbit-Proof Fence’ in our state of the art theatre during lunch times this week. 

Thank you all for your support and recognition

of this important week in our country.
Miss Boller

The Sleepout begins at 7.30pm and is a fun night full of games, sports, trivia and a movie that are linked to the theme of the event. Breakfast is served the next morning with family members of participant’s welcome.

What’s the catch? All participants are expected to stay at school the next day! (in non-uniform of course).

Permission forms can be collected from Miss Zorzi or Mrs Ganderton and need to be returned on Tuesday of week 7. Be quick as places may be limited. We are also looking for any donations of large cardboard boxes to use on the night so if you could help that would be great!

“The poor person is a unique person of God’s fashioning with an inalienable right to respect. You must not be content with tiding the poor over the poverty crisis: You must study their condition and the injustices which brought about such poverty, with the aim of long term improvement.”

- Blessed Frederic Ozanam