Mindset, Grit, and Growth in Physical Education

Mindset plays a crucial role in student development, particularly in Physical Education and Health. Whether pushing through fatigue in a demanding workout, staying focused during skill acquisition, or bouncing back from setbacks, a student’s ability to persist can be the difference between growth and stagnation.

Linda Stade, an Australian educator, writer, and speaker specialising in adolescent development, highlights the importance of resilience, perseverance, and a growth mindset in shaping student success. In her article, "Practical Ways to Grow Your Child’s Grit," Stade explores how grit—the ability to maintain effort and interest over time despite challenges—is not an innate trait but a skill that can be nurtured.

As PE teachers, we often encounter students who struggle to see the value of perseverance, motivation, and determination. Not everyone enjoys PE, and shifting student mindsets to recognise that grit is a lifelong skill can be challenging. However, by applying Stade’s insights, we can help students reframe their approach to physical and mental challenges.

Fostering Grit in the PE & Health Classroom

Stade outlines several practical strategies to develop grit in students, many of which are directly applicable to PE and health education:

1. Encouraging a Growth Mindset

• Students who believe their abilities can improve with effort are more likely to push themselves.
• In PE, reinforcing that skills like endurance, strength, and coordination are developed through consistent practice—not just natural talent—helps students stay motivated.

2. Normalising Failure and Building Resilience

• Failure is an essential part of learning.
• Allowing students to experience setbacks—whether missing a goal, struggling with a technique, or not meeting a fitness target—teaches them resilience and perseverance.

3. Fostering Passion and Purpose

• Students are more likely to stay committed to activities they find meaningful.
• Setting personal fitness or skill-based goals makes progress feel purposeful and rewarding.

4. Providing Challenges and High Expectations

• Pushing students beyond their comfort zones fosters growth.
• Activities like progressive strength training, endurance challenges, or complex gameplay scenarios encourage students to strive for improvement.

5. Teaching Self-Regulation and Reflection

• Managing emotions and setbacks is key to developing grit.
• Encouraging students to reflect on their performance, identify areas for growth, and create action plans fosters ownership over their development.

Beyond physical performance, grit influences overall well-being. Students who develop perseverance are more likely to maintain an active lifestyle, prioritise mental health, and practice resilience in social relationships. The ability to face challenges with a determined mindset extends beyond the classroom, preparing them for the demands of life.

The Power of 'Yet' in PE

Carol Dweck, a professor of psychology, introduced the concept of a growth mindset, emphasising how changing our neural pathways leads to greater development. In one of her TED Talks, she highlights "The power of yet." This concept is something I bring into my classroom daily. When students say, "I can’t do this," I add one simple word: "I can’t do this… YET."

PE is about grit—the determination to try new and challenging activities. By embedding Stade’s principles and Dweck’s mindset strategies into our teaching, we can help students embrace obstacles, persist through difficulties, and develop lifelong skills that extend far beyond sport.

The Start of a Busy Year in Health and Physical Education

The start of the year has been busy in the Health and Physical Education field, with all students engaging in a variety of physical activities and health subjects:

Years 7 & 8 – Athletics Galore!

Years 7 & 8 students have kickstarted their Physical Education journey, engaging in various activities. They have delved deeply into the world of athletics, mastering the skills and techniques of both track and field. From sprinting to long jumping, they have been honing their abilities and fostering a spirit of teamwork and competition—especially leading into the Athletics Carnival.

Year 9 – Striking, Fielding, and Court Sports

For practical lessons, our Year 9 cohort has been immersed in the dynamic realm of striking and fielding sports and court sports. Softball and soccer have been the highlights, offering students opportunities to refine their coordination, strategic skills, and teamwork.

The court sports unit has allowed students to explore the intricacies of badminton, tchoukball, and netball. Students have been discovering new skills and tactics while embracing the varied challenges with enthusiasm.

Year 10 – A Diverse Sporting Experience

Year 10 students have embarked on sporting journeys filled with diversity, exploring an array of activities designed to challenge and inspire.

• Striking and fielding sports continue with golf and flag football (NFL), providing students with opportunities to refine their techniques and strategies.
• The introduction of sofcrosse and tennis/pickleball adds a new dimension to their sporting repertoire.
• Court sports include volleyball, basketball, and European handball. From the fast-paced action of volleyball to the strategic gameplay of basketball and European handball, students are embracing the challenges and joys of these dynamic sports, fostering teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship along the way.

Year 9 & 10 Health – Mental Health and Healthy Relationships

Alongside their physical activities, Year 9 and 10 students have been actively engaging in health education.

• Year 9 students have been exploring the significance of mental health, gaining insight into its impact on overall well-being.
• Year 10 students have been examining the importance of consent and healthy relationships, developing a deeper understanding of respectful interactions.

Kym Darmody
Faculty Coordinator PDHPE/Sport