It is the process of moving from not knowing something to knowing, and that process is often uncomfortable. When a student already has all the answers, they are not learning, they are showing what they know. The real magic of learning happens when children wrestle with something challenging, make mistakes, and keep trying until they find a way through. 

Educational researcher Carol Dweck reminds us that success comes not from talent but from effort and perseverance. This is known as a Growth Mindset, the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. When children are praised for their effort rather than the outcome, they learn that persistence matters more than perfection. As Dweck says, ‘Effort is what ignites ability and turns it into accomplishment.’ 

At Living Faith, we help students to see that struggle is not a sign of failure but a sign of learning. This is reflected in our school value of Fail Forward, which encourages resilience, a growth mindset and grit. Learning to persevere through challenges builds more than knowledge; it builds strength of character. The Learning Pit is a way of describing what happens when we face a challenge that stretches our thinking; at first we feel stuck or confused, but with persistence, reflection and support, we climb out having achieved deeper understanding and real growth. James Nottingham, who developed the concept of The Learning Pit, explains, ‘When learners recognise that confusion and struggle are part of the process, they become more motivated and resilient.’ 

We want our students to step into the Learning Pit with curiosity, to experience the satisfaction that comes from working through difficulty. This is why our learning environment promotes inquiry, questioning and challenge. 

As parents, you can support this at home. Praise the process, not just the product. Celebrate persistence, curiosity and courage rather than grades. When your child finds something hard, resist the urge to rescue them too quickly. Instead, remind them that the uncomfortable feeling of struggle is where learning lives. True learning takes time, effort and courage. When we value the process over the result, we give our children the gift of resilience and the confidence to keep climbing, no matter how steep the hill. 

Bianca Ravi 

Director of Learning