Growth mindset raises aspirations of Dundee pupils
Staff at St Paul’s RC Academy in Dundee took part in Mindset Teams to help them improve relationships with a group of disengaged fourth-year boys.
The training process encouraged the teachers to develop an open dialogue with the pupils, which revealed that the boys wanted to change the impression that school staff had of them. They started by working to change the boys’ mindsets.
After eight weeks, there was a significant reduction in disciplinary interventions and a drop in poor behaviour. The teachers also noticed an increase in the boys’ emotional intelligence – they became more willing to ask for support rather than giving up.
Crucially, this change in mindset is helping the boys make positive choices about their future.
Previously, the boys were at risk of dropping out of education altogether, but instead they chose to stay and sit exams. In August 2019, between them, the six boys achieved one grade A, seven B’s, five C’s and a D in their National 4’s. This 7 minute film tell the powerful story.
After eight weeks, there was a significant reduction in disciplinary interventions and a drop in poor behaviour. The teachers also noticed an increase in the boys’ emotional intelligence – they became more willing to ask for support rather than giving up.
Crucially, this change in mindset is helping the boys make positive choices about their future.
Previously, the boys were at risk of dropping out of education altogether, but instead they chose to stay and sit exams. In August 2019, between them, the six boys achieved one grade A, seven B’s, five C’s and a D in their National 4’s. This 7 minute film tell the powerful story.