Much has been written over the past few years about grit. Time and again, researchers find that people who have achieved great success are those who recover and learn from mistakes and failure. Whether they are paralyzed by perfectionism or they fold at the first difficulty, young people need to be taught to work through challenges. As Christians, we must go one step further, and help our students develop both grit and integrity.
Our classical Christian method is an intentional approach to education that provides our students with many opportunities to develop these traits. Helping students find their telos (the way in which God has gifted each of person to serve in His kingdom more specifically—“end purpose”) helps them develop grit. Because of this, we view Art, Science, History, Math, Writing, and all the other subjects with equal value and importance. Because “enthusiasm is common…[a]nd endurance is rare,” (Duckworth, 2016) we aim to give our students a thorough exposure to each subject, as this provides many opportunities to discover the talents God has given them. It also provides many opportunities to discover areas where they may not be as well gifted. When a student discovers her telos, she will have great passion for her work. That passion that will help her persevere and develop grit. When a student learns to persevere through challenges in areas where she is not as gifted, that perseverance produces integrity.
As we partner in this high calling to educate your student(s), let us do so by teaching grit with integrity.
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV
Jeanne Wilks
Secondary Principal