We asked local independent schools to talk about how they teach non-academic skills essential for future success, such as persistence, teamwork and resilience. Their responses were included in our Independent Schools special section.
From Magnussen School:
Magnussen School teachers recognize that the journey to lifelong happiness and success is rooted in building character strengths, positive and healthy relationships, and processes such as growth mindset and resilience.
At Magnussen, we strive to create a learning environment that fosters warm, meaningful and caring relationships that nurture and celebrate the true self. Our goal is to be a school where every child feels safe and secure, and empowered with the skills, tools and mindset to create their own sense of safety and security from within.
Mindfulness, social thinking curricula and non-violent communication are vital components of our school day. We explicitly teach and model mind and body awareness, and demonstrate and reinforce effective, expected and compassionate social skills and behaviour.
One student termed what he is learning as “social endurance,” which he described as learning to socialize with his peers and teachers, to practise patience and self-control. Guiding our students through daily struggles and challenges allows us to see and celebrate the social, emotional and cognitive growth of our students.
The truly magical moments are when the children can see and celebrate this personal growth within themselves.
