EDUCATION
We find out how local schools are equipping pupils with the skills and attributes to help them thrive in a rapidly changing world
WORDS BY CHARLOTTE PHILLIPS
F rom careers talks to work than now, when change is accelerating at such a rate that – like the White Queen in Through the Looking-Glass – believing six impossible things before breakfast no longer feels like a stretch. Schools and colleges may not have all the answers, but they think constantly about what they offer pupils and how the education they provide fits into an ever- changing world. And while nobody can know in detail how work roles may evolve, schools can make educated guesses about experience, pupil-led societies to clubs, schools always have an eye to the future. And never more so
spoken word to address and influence an audience. It’s something that’s likely to become even more important in the future, the schools stress. “This is a very important aspect of pupils’ education. If the brightest of pupils can’t express their views and argue their cases effectively, they end up holding on to ideas that they simply can’t put into action,” explains Richard Morgan, assistant head at The Perse, where active public speaking and debating programmes are embedded in the culture of the school in order to develop this crucial set of skills – which can ‘hopefully help with pupils’ success and employability in the future’.
which qualities will be valued in the workforce of the future – and how they can shape tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers and innovators. “It is of vital importance for schools to have an eye to the future, equipping the next generation with an awareness and knowledge of the rapidly changing employment landscape,” Gresham’s School asserts. “Pupils need to know all about the key growth employment sectors, job roles, workplace cultures as well as the learning qualifications and skills necessary for employment.” One basic but incredibly important skill is oracy: the ability to employ the
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK SEPTEMBER 2023 37
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