Resilience and Courage in Learning
This year, our school theme is ‘Arise and Shine’, a message that serves as a powerful encouragement for our students as they engage in their learning journey.
This theme encompasses multiple dimensions, each reinforcing our commitment to fostering the holistic development of our students. It challenges them to grow academically, socially, and spiritually; inspiring them to approach their education with confidence, purpose, and a willingness to shine in all they do.
Recently, I came across an article highlighting the crucial role that challenges play in shaping a child’s development. As educators and parents, it is natural to want to smooth the path for our children, removing obstacles that may hinder their success. However, in doing so, we may unintentionally deprive them of valuable opportunities for growth. Research from Macquarie University in Australia suggests that encountering challenges can actually strengthen resilience through systematic self-reflection. Their model proposes that exposure to life’s adversities triggers a process of evaluating one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, ultimately enhancing problem-solving skills, coping strategies, and self-belief (Aponte, 2023). By allowing students to navigate difficulties, we equip them with the tools to adapt, persevere, and build resilience for future challenges.
“Grit is about sustained, consistent effort toward a goal, even when we struggle, falter, or temporarily fail.”
This concept can be further explored through the framework of grit, a term extensively researched by psychologist Angela Lee Duckworth in the context of resilience and long-term success. In her 2013 TED talk, Duckworth defines grit as ‘the tendency to sustain interest in and effort toward very long-term goals.’. She emphasises that while individuals may be born with varying levels of grit, it is a trait that develops through experience. Furthermore, she highlights that ‘grit is about sustained, consistent effort toward a goal, even when we struggle, falter, or temporarily fail’. (Miller, 2020) This perspective reinforces the importance of perseverance and resilience in achieving meaningful growth and success.
At Emmanuel, we are committed to cultivating resilient and courageous learners who embrace challenges with confidence and perseverance. Courage is one of our core school values, reflecting our desire to nurture students who develop a growth mindset, approaching obstacles as opportunities for learning rather than barriers to success. In doing so, we encourage students to step beyond their comfort zones, try new things, and persist even when faced with difficulties. This aligns with the Biblical principle found in Joshua 1:9, where God commands,
‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’
Just as this verse reassures us of God's presence in times of challenge, we aim to equip our students with the confidence to face adversity, knowing they are supported and guided in their learning journey. Through fostering courage and resilience, we empower students to develop the character and strength needed to thrive both academically and in life.
Ways you can help as a parent:
Encourage a Growth Mindset – Remind your child that mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow.
Model Courage – Show your child how to face challenges with perseverance by sharing your own experiences of overcoming obstacles.
Foster Independence – Allow your child to solve problems on their own, offering guidance rather than immediate solutions, so they build confidence and resilience.
Laura Ferguson – Head of Primary
