Learning is not always easy.
Every child will face moments of challenge, frustration, or self‑doubt during their education. What matters most is not avoiding difficulty, but learning how to respond to it.
At Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong, we nurture a growth mindset that helps students build resilience. This mindset supports children to persevere, reflect, and keep going, even when learning feels challenging.
A growth mindset encourages students to believe that ability develops through effort, practice, reflection, and improvement.
In our classrooms, this means students learn that
Rather than focusing only on outcomes, teachers focus on learning processes. Students are supported to explain their thinking, try different strategies, and reflect on what they can do differently next time.
Resilience develops when children experience manageable challenge.
At NAIS Pudong, teachers carefully structure learning so that students are challenged but supported. Our small class sizes allow us to notice when students are struggling and respond quickly with guidance and encouragement.
When students overcome difficulty, even in small ways, their confidence grows. This confidence strengthens motivation and helps students approach future challenges with a positive mindset.
The words children hear matter.
Teachers at NAIS Pudong use language that reinforces effort and progress rather than fixed ability. Feedback focuses on what students have learned, how they approached a task, and what their next steps might be.
This helps students develop a healthy relationship with learning. They begin to see setbacks not as failure, but as useful information that helps them move forward.
Resilience looks different at different ages.
In Early Years, it may involve trying again when a task feels tricky or persisting with a puzzle. In Primary, resilience grows through independence, problem‑solving, and reflection. In Secondary and beyond, it supports students as they manage academic pressure, assessments, and long‑term goals.
This consistent approach contributes to strong outcomes, including our IB average score of 37 in 2025, achieved by students who are confident learners as well as strong academic performers.
Resilience and wellbeing are closely linked.
Students are better able to cope with challenge when they feel safe, supported, and understood. Pastoral care at NAIS Pudong works alongside classroom teaching to ensure students feel secure and valued.
When wellbeing is prioritised, students are more willing to take risks in their learning and persist when tasks feel demanding.
We are a team, and at NAIS Pudong we truly value the vital role parents play in developing resilience in our students. The partnership between home and school is central to helping young people grow in confidence.
Simple ways to support a growth mindset at home include
This consistent message between home and school helps children develop confidence and resilience over time.
Resilient learners are better prepared for the future. At NAIS Pudong, we see this not simply as an outcome, but as a daily practice within our learning community. Our students learn to navigate change with confidence, respond thoughtfully to feedback, and remain curious and committed beyond the classroom.
These qualities equip them not only for success at university, but also for the opportunities and challenges they will encounter in the wider world. By nurturing a genuine growth mindset through our teaching and learning, we support every student in developing the resilience needed to thrive in an increasingly complex and evolving global context.
The best way to understand our approach is to see it in action.
When you visit NAIS Pudong, you will see students who are happy, safe and challenged
Book a school tour or contact our admissions team today to discover how NAIS Pudong nurtures resilience and a growth mindset in every learner.
At Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong we offer a truly global experience with outstanding teachers and exceptional learning opportunities. Our students achieve academic excellence and learn all the skills they need to make a difference in the world outside the classroom.
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