Habits of Scholarship
This is our ‘shortlist’ for our Habits of Scholarship. It is important to look at these habits as they apply to how we work at school. While most of these Habits would have wider applications across multiple contexts – we are primarily concerned with how they impact on student work habits, the quality of their work and attitudes to work. We don’t want to just make them an extension of our Habits of Character. Habits of Character speak to the kind of person we are, while Habits of Scholarship speak to the way we approach our work and the quality of that work. Here are some definitions of our shortlisted Habits of Scholarship.
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Responsibility
Being on time and prepared for each lesson.
Taking care of own work materials and school resources.
Ensuring work is of a high standard.
Knowing where I am at and what I need to do to improve
Following teachers work instructions
Assisting others, where it is appropriate, to complete their work.
Asking for help when I need it.
Listening to the teacher and peers during lessons
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Persistence/perseverance
Putting in my best effort every lesson every day
Not giving up
Knowing that making errors is a part of learning
Being driven to achieve my work goals
Finding the energy to keep moving forward
Self Control
Staying focussed on the task at hand
Not being distracted
Being in charge of my behaviour
Being able to regulate my mood and attitude
Using materials appropriately
Listening
Quietly taking in the teacher’s instructions without interruption
Hearing and understanding the views of others
Being tolerant and polite when people think differently to us
Focusing on what we have been asked to do
Motivation
The internal drive to keep moving forward
Sustained effort leading to improvement
Drive to succeed
Excited by achievement
Having a positive attitude towards work
Collaboration
Working together to achieve an outcome
Knowing strengths and weaknesses of my team/group
Understanding everyone’s role in the group
Know how collaborating well produces a better product than I can alone
Follow the ‘team’ rules for working
Engagement
Being fully connected with the current task
Maintaining your focus over time
Participating in all elements of the lesson – listening, writing, speaking, thinking, answering, doing etc.
Cooperating with the teacher and peers
Regulating my behaviour so as not to disturb others
Completing work tasks in a timely manner
Ensuring my work time is leading towards understanding and achievement of work goals
Communication
Asking clear questions when I don’t understand
Communicating my learning effectively in all forms – written, oral etc.
Sharing ideas with peers positively
Regulating my behaviour so my communication with others is polite and courteous.
Being able to share with teachers, peers and parents specific information about strengths and weaknesses, my achievements and what I need to do to improve
Listening carefully to instructions and following them precisely
Growth mindset
Understanding that everyone can improve
Knowing what I need to do to improve I can face challenges and overcome them I have a positive outlook towards my work
I know that mistakes don’t equal failure
I know my strengths and weaknesses
Excellence
I have high expectations for myself
Doing my best work all the time
Knowing what quality work looks like
Assisting others to do excellent work – raising up the class
Understanding the teacher’s instructions and ensuring my work meets the criteria
Showing care in my work
Being proud of my achievements and successes
Creativity
Using my mind and thinking through the task
Having original ideas
Considering all perspectives
New solutions to old problems
Combining ideas in alternative ways
Using the arts, design and performance as inspiration to develop new ideas or solutions
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