The Human Technologies department is delighted to highlight the "Four Pillars of Health" initiative, a recent addition to our HT curriculum that focuses on integrating technologies to enhance sleep, exercise, diet, and mindfulness for improved well-being.

In our ongoing Year 8 unit on "Growth Mindset," students are introduced to various technologies or "hacks," to support their physical, psychological, and emotional wellness. These tools align with the holistic approach of the HT lens, emphasising the interconnectedness of body and mind within the psychosomatic domain.

Being in their second year of their journey at ICHK, our students have already made significant strides in their understanding and application of the concept of growth mindset. Already, some students have even been recognised with Termly awards for their embodiment of growth mindset principles. Yet, as they progress into our Year 8 unit, students have the opportunity to delve deeper into the intricacies of the growth mindset, exploring its profound impact on well-being and personal development. Students are invited to reflect on the profound insights derived from psychologist Carol Dweck's research, a cornerstone of our 5+1 model that distinguishes between fixed mindset and growth mindset approaches. Students also build upon their earlier emergent understandings of the Foundations Course, where they explore the intricacies of System 1 and System 2 Thinking. This exploration sheds light on the brain's innate inclination towards negative thought patterns, which can become routine and autopilot functioning, and hinder personal growth if left unchecked. This deeper understanding equips our students with the necessary tools to appreciate the significance of fostering a growth mindset in navigating life's challenges. 

None of this is easy, of course. In fact, the insights explored teach students quite the opposite: embracing this mindset requires a conscious and intentional commitment to engaging with our thought processes, along with persistent utilisation of System 2 thinking. By believing in the flexibility of intelligence through effort and perseverance, students challenge the notion of static abilities and predetermined limitations. 

Changing our habits, whether it be our ways of thinking or behaviour, is tough work. This can be especially so when trying to break free of  habitual thought patterns that sell us short - perhaps when they encourage us to be timid, to avoid challenges, or when we tell ourselves the story that we are “no good at” this or that  - the “scripts” embedded in our psyches. 

While acknowledging the inherent difficulty of breaking free from habitual thought patterns that undermine our potential, we offer a message of hope by introducing our students to technologies and practical "hacks" that help to guide them on the path to personal growth and self-improvement. Through these tools, students are empowered to embrace challenges, work towards breaking limiting beliefs, and cultivate a positive mindset conducive to continuous learning and development.

In their work, students highlighted practical applications of these "hacks," including the use of gratitude lists to promote optimism and reflections on autopilot habits that hinder personal growth. 

These exercises encourage students to actively engage in self-reflection and adopt positive habits conducive to a growth-oriented mindset.

For further exploration and conversations regarding growth mindset, we offer parents a Curated Learning List featuring a variety of resources for continued learning and understanding. By learning together, thoughtfully, we can collectively support our students in their journey towards personal development and well-being.