A child arrives at school unusually quiet after a challenging morning. Her teacher notices, intentionally, subtly and kindly checks in with her, and invites her to join an activity. It is a small moment, but an important one. As a result, the child feels safer and ready to learn.
This interaction captures an important aspect about education. Children are shaped not only by what they learn, but how they feel. “High achievement is most likely when young people know they are supported, valued and challenged in equal measure,” says Nathan Chisholm Deputy Principal Wellbeing.
This is because feeling safe, connected and confident helps young people to engage and take on challenges. High expectations are so important, and they are most effective when paired with care and support.
As a school, Haileybury’s high academic standards reflect a belief in the capacity of every student to learn, grow and excel. But that is not the full picture. “We set ambitious expectations because we know that young people rise to the standards that are expected of them,” explains Nathan.
Children thrive when they know that the adults around them believe in them, guide them and want them to succeed. In that kind of environment, achievement is not about perfection. It is about effort, perseverance, curiosity and the willingness to keep trying.
Not every child begins from the same starting point, and not every child responds to challenges in the same way. Often they need help to feel that high standards are achievable. When children are given the encouragement, structure and relationships they need, they are better able to grow in confidence and work towards their personal best.
“When students experience the success earned through commitment and hard work, they also develop confidence, resilience and a stronger sense of self-efficacy”Nathan Chisholm
This connection between achievement and wellbeing is reflected in the work of organisational scholar Kim Cameron, who speaks of the importance of creating “virtuous institutions.”
“Cameron argues that the strongest organisations are those that deliberately cultivate virtues such as compassion, forgiveness, gratitude, trust and hope. These virtues do not weaken performance; rather, they strengthen it,” explains Nathan.
Practical ways parents can support both wellbeing and achievement
- Acknowledge effort, not just outcomes
Praise persistence, improvement and hard work rather than focusing only on results or awards.
- Celebrate progress
Help your child notice how far they have come, even if the progress is small.
- Help children grow from mistakes
Talk about times when you learnt from a challenge or had to problem solve. Help children to understand that making mistakes means they are learning and should not be something to be feared.
- Encourage problem solving
When your child faces a difficulty, ask them questions to help them have the confidence to think through possible solutions themselves.
- Support healthy routines
Help your child establish healthy sleep, nutrition, exercise, downtime, study and homework habits. This helps their wellbeing, as well as their learning.
- Connect with teachers and other support people
It takes a village to raise a child. Asking for guidance when you need it and maintaining communication between home and school helps you and your child feel supported.
- Model behaviours
Showing values such as respect or perseverance in our own interactions helps model to children how they should approach their lives and others.
