You’ve probably heard about the growth mindset at Ipswich School – where we believe that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work.

We spoke to Mia D from Year 13 about having a growth mindset, inspired by the two hockey coaches’ awards she has received while she had been at Ipswich School. The first was for the U12C team in Year 7, and the second for the 1st XI hockey team in Year 13, a team she is captaining this year.

Mia explained that she was in the C team during her first two years at the school, having not played hockey at her primary school, and just a small amount of junior club hockey at the weekends. She said: “It was Mr Addison who gave me a chance to prove myself, by allowing me to train with the A and B squads in the summer term of Year 8, leading me to be selected for the U14A team the following term. I didn’t have many hockey skills, but I knew I could run at speed on a full size hockey pitch, and at the time that was all I needed. I was a sub for the majority of Year 9, and then when it came to Year 10 we only played one game due to Covid, so when I reached Year 11 I was really focused on trying to get into the first team. I managed to achieve that, and then in Year 12 I was in the starting line-up of the 1st XI as a forward.”

“I’m really proud of myself for everything I have achieved, and how hard I’ve worked for it. It hasn’t been handed to me. Saying that, I wouldn’t be where I am now without the enormous amount of support I’ve received from various coaches over the years. It’s only now I realise how lucky I have been to have had such amazing people around me, always pushing me to be the best I can.”

Mia explained more about the coaching sessions she’s taken part in. She said: “I’ve taken part in one to one sessions for the last few years; now with Miss Newlyn in free periods, but previously before school with Miss Martin, and in Year 10 I spent many lunchtimes on the school field with Mr Zakir and a strip of astro, just practising my stick skills. Miss Martin was so encouraging and supportive when I was in Year 11 and the youngest member of the team. She believed in me from the beginning and never doubted my potential.”

So what makes hockey a sport she loves? Mia said: “I am really determined when it comes to hockey, and I love being a part of a team. I used to love athletics, and while it’s great to win the 100m, the feeling of winning as a team is unmatched.

“I’ve played against many teams in the seven years I’ve been at this school, and there’s not one I’ve come across that radiates a better atmosphere than Ipswich. As Mr Edmondson always says, hockey here is like a family.” She added: “It is clear that everyone in the 1st team really wants to be there, so it’s been easy for me to captain the team. Although I’m not always the loudest on the pitch, to me it’s more about making sure that everyone is involved and is enjoying it.”

Mia also spoke about the importance of the coaches at Ipswich School. She said: “I am so grateful to Miss Newlyn for believing in me and supporting me over my last three years at the school. Her calmness and belief in the tougher moments have been so helpful to me as captain.

“As for Mr Edmondson, he joined the school when I was in Year 7 and has been so influential throughout my hockey journey. I would like to think that I’m good at giving team talks, but by the time Mr Edmonsdon has finished with his there’s never much left to say. He really is very good at giving everyone that extra bit of motivation needed to keep going. Everyone stops talking and listens to him when he has something to say. Together, their guidance and motivation have been invaluable, and I will forever be grateful for
their support.”

As well as working her way up to the first team at school, Mia has also moved from the fourth team to the first team in club hockey at IES Hockey Club (based at the Ipswich School Sports Centre in Rushmere), and said that club hockey has increased her skills and given her a space to try different things. But it isn’t just on the hockey pitch that Mia has demonstrated her growth mindset, as all sports captains have to read a report at the end of term assembly. She said: “I was really nervous about reading the hockey report. But I took some tips on speaking in public, and I was determined to do it so I didn’t let anyone down, and because I was so proud of what I’d achieved. I did have to grip the lectern really hard!

What’s next for Mia? “I’m hoping to go on to study sport and exercise science at university, and play university hockey. But we also have three games left in our Tier 1 hockey group, and it would be a real achievement to reach the quarter finals.”

And finally, what’s her one piece of advice to other people? “My advice to anyone is simply just to believe in yourself and to never give up, and to always appreciate the support of others.”