At Kingswood College, we believe in the power of challenge, not as something to fear or avoid, but as something to embrace. Challenges stretch our thinking, strengthen our character, and shape our growth. Whether it’s a student learning a new mathematical concept, a performer stepping nervously onto the stage, or a team navigating a tough season, it is in these very moments of discomfort and uncertainty that learning comes alive.

Too often, we see failure as a final destination, an endpoint that signals we’re not good enough. But we teach our students to see it differently. Failure, when approached with the right mindset, is not the opposite of success; it is part of it. Every mistake holds within it the seeds of insight. Every setback is a signpost pointing the way forward. This way of thinking is what we call a growth mindset, the belief that our abilities are not fixed, but develop over time through effort, feedback, and reflection.

Our school values of courage and perseverance are vital companions on this journey. Courage gives us the strength to try, even when the outcome is uncertain. It whispers “Have a go” when fear tells us to hold back. Perseverance helps us keep going when the path is steep or the progress slow. It reminds us that determination often matters more than immediate results.

This term, I’ve seen courage and perseverance everywhere. I’ve seen it in the students in my classes who kept editing their writing before they share it with me, despite early drafts that didn’t quite work. I’ve seen it in our student leaders who bravely stood in front of assemblies, not because it was easy, but because it mattered. I’ve seen it in staff, quietly modelling these values through their ongoing professional learning and unwavering commitment to student success.

As parents and educators, we all play a role in creating a culture where challenge is welcomed and failure is understood as part of the process. That means praising effort as much as achievement, encouraging reflection after mistakes, and reminding young people (and ourselves) that real growth often lies just beyond the comfort zone.

Let’s continue to help our students see challenge not as an obstacle but as an invitation to think more deeply, to grow more fully, and to become more resilient. After all, the most enduring learning is rarely found on the smooth, easy path. It is forged in the climb.

Learn more about...