Students entering the competitive, 21st-century workplace are facing an increasingly complex set of expectations from employers. The traditional teaching styles and academic routes are not preparing them for reality.
The rapidly digitalising world, ChatGPT, AI, etc has created both opportunity and a lot of uncertainty. We need graduates who can adapt to the changing world as its changing and very rapidly.
We need students who understand how to apply the skills they’ve learnt at school to real-world, work-related challenges.
Re-visioning learning
In most schools there is real wide variety of students. Some very, very deprived, some very affluent. Some who are more than capable and some who really struggle with their English and maths.
Dare to dream
Imagine a school where students were allowed to dream – and promised that any dream can be possible? Any student, any background, any ability.
Where there is increased accessibility for students from different socio-economic backgrounds? By raising their personal aspirations and offering them an interesting programme of study inspiring them to value education and to dream?
- A school that allows students to have of flexibility, and gets them to working in the community
- a school that gets studeent to be reflective and looking at ethical real life issues, of being internationally or globally minded
- a school that raises aspirations, in terms of developing self belief and thinking – inspiring “I can do anything and the world is my oyster” approach to learning – a recognisable belief among all students that they can achieve and pursue higher education if thats what they want, without barriers
- a programme that is less “scary” than the Diploma or the A level – than examinations and tests
- a school that does not solely focus on vocational or academic subject qualifications
An education that focuses on developing personal skills development, which in turn improves students’ vocational and academic abilities.
Some students, who are very personable, and perhaps have relatively lower literacy ability have the ability to promote “skill building” rather than “content memorisation”.
- A school that develops the student as a whole person as well as their academic ability,
- a school that links this with their their career ambitions, and the provides them practical experience of being a professional through a real life career-related studies,
And a focus on what makes them a good person; to have integrity, to be open minded, to be analytical critical.
We need schools to allows students to “dare to dream”, for example a real budding artist can study perhaps arts, art or photography with qualifications in visual arts and film studies that mean something to them?
Schools that allow students interested in mindfulness to study subjects such as Psychology so that they can get a better understanding of their own personal situations
The A-level is all about me, me, me, me. Its about the grades.
Could the IB which expects you to be outward looking in order for you to achieve be a potential solution?
Several schools and students have highlighted the flexibility and independence of the Careers related Programme offered by the IB.
Students have quoted “I like the way I’m treated. The reason I say this is because, when I was a normal student at the school I was treated as a child, but now in sixth form I’m giving more freedom and treated as an adult – and not only that I am allowed to work towards my dreams and passions”
A key element of the International Baccalaureate® Career-related Programme (CP), is that the core study enhances student’s personal and interpersonal development, with an emphasis on experiential learning and self belief.
While the IBCP is less academic than the IBDP, it can be just as demanding and challenging – and is by no means an ‘easier’ option as it involves more independent study, self-discipline and organisation.
It really allows students to play to their strengths, focus on the things they are good at, and really access success.
This student-centric learning process with project-based coursework allowing students to tailor their studies to issues and areas that they enjoy, rather than pigeonhole them into learning subjects by rote for examinations is certainly a way forward. Students’ are exposed to real-world situations so that they can develop an understanding and appreciation of the workplace and their chosen industry more generally.
Linking academic-based classes with practical real life studies means that students see their learning as relevant to the problems and issues of the outside world and their future life, helping to broaden their horizons. It also exposes them to areas of work that they may realise they have a talent for.
It enables them to gain transferable skills in applied knowledge, critical thinking, communication and cross-cultural engagement.
Could this be a way forward for schools?
I am keen to hear of any schools offering the IBCP…..
