THE VALUE OF CHALLENGE

As parents, we naturally want to see our children succeed. Yet, success is not defined by immediate ease—it is built through challenge. Productive struggle heightens our senses, our brains come alive, and we grow. Facing a challenge can feel uncomfortable, however this leads to development of resourcefulness, resilience, and open-mindedness, three of the IB Learner Profile traits.

At Stratford Hall, we embrace challenge as an essential part of learning from Kindergarten to Grade 12. It is through challenges that students develop the Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills of critical thinking, self-management, and reflection that empower them to approach difficulties with confidence. Whether they are wrestling with a complex inquiry question or preparing for a difficult presentation, they are building the intellectual and emotional endurance that will serve them throughout their lives.

Importantly, no student faces these challenges alone. Every child is capable of growth and mastery within the IB programs when given the right support. Our teachers are highly attentive to each student’s learning journey, guiding students through obstacles with encouragement and feedback. They help students reframe mistakes as learning opportunities, shifting the focus from immediate success to long-term development.

Parents also play a vital role in shaping how children approach difficulty. Encouraging persistence, celebrating effort, and asking questions like “What strategies have you tried so far?” or “What small step could you take next?” can help students see challenges not as barriers, but as opportunities to grow. Understanding the basic concepts within IB assessment and grading can help you positively support your child.

Stratford Hall is a community where students learn to embrace challenges with confidence, creating a foundation for future success in their studies and life.