The School That Understands How True Learning Takes Place
Lindsey Hughes, headteacher at Channing School in Highgate, shares how the concept known as the Learning Pit helps students understand that challenge and struggle are essential parts of the learning process.
Developing Fearless Learners
At Channing, the idea of becoming Fearless Learners has been evolving for several years. The Learning Pit now serves as a clear and powerful visual model to express this principle, showing that confusion and difficulty are valuable stages in mastering new ideas.
Insights from Leading Educators
The school recently hosted James Nottingham, the creator of the Learning Pit, who collaborated with staff during an inset day. Nottingham’s work is closely linked with that of Carol Dweck, well-known for advancing the idea of a Growth Mindset. Together, these approaches emphasize perseverance, reflection, and resilience in learning.
"The Learning Pit builds on years of educational research to help students see that struggle is not failure but progress in disguise."
What the Learning Pit Represents
Many view learning as a steady upward climb, yet real understanding often requires a descent into uncertainty before finding clarity again. This difficult phase—the ‘pit’—is where genuine learning happens, even though it can feel uncomfortable.
- The dip in confidence signals productive struggle.
- Overcoming the challenge deepens comprehension.
- Teachers guide students through this process purposefully.
By embracing this journey, students, staff, and parents at Channing gain a shared understanding that discomfort in learning is not to be feared but embraced as part of intellectual growth.
Author’s Summary
Channing School demonstrates that true learning blooms when students face struggle, guiding them to grow through curiosity, resilience, and reflection.