Ever since Dell Technologies and the Institute for the Future published their report The Next Era of Human Machine Partnerships in 2017, there has been much discussion about what the future holds for the job market. It’s hard to predict whether many of today’s jobs will still exist and what new professions will arise. There’s no doubt the world of employment will continue to undergo drastic changes as it has done historically. One of the best ways for children to future-proof their careers is to develop the skills and mindsets to be able to adapt to these inevitable changes.
Older students share their passion for reading with younger pupils at buddy reading sessions.
At KIS International School students develop their academic knowledge through the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme alongside a curriculum that also encourages the development of skills and mindsets that set them up for future success. In today’s world, where children will increasingly become global citizens, it’s crucial to have an appreciation and understanding of di erent cultures, backgrounds and perspectives. KIS boasts an environment with students from 55 countries and nurtures international mindedness on a daily basis. Students learn that their fellow classmates may have differing opinions and priorities, but learn to respect each other’s perspectives. Furthermore, by operating in such a multicultural setting, students hone their skills in collaborating and communicating.
The ability to think critically and reflectively also contributes to being successful at university and in life beyond. Being able to understand the complexity and interconnectedness of real-life issues is an invaluable asset. The IB programme at KIS International School teaches higher-order thinking. Learning is interdisciplinary, meaning that students are encouraged to make connections between subjects. To understand climate change for example, it is not enough to simply look at the scientific component of the issue; instead students are also taught to see the humanities perspective, the economic perspective and so on, in order to gain a better understanding of the issue and to see the bigger picture.
KIS students can use augmented reality to learn about the importance of water.
Other competencies that are developed at KIS International School are self-management skills. In any career, be it freelance, full-time or remote, it is important for employees to be able to efficiently manage their time, be organised, proactive, self- motivated and able to handle setbacks. All of these skills are an integral part of the IB programme and students at KIS learn to reflect on how successful they are at applying these skills to their learning. Employers place a high value on creative thinking and innovation, especially those who are seeking to challenge the status quo, develop new technologies, or invent creative solutions. This means that simply learning knowledge passively is not enough for today’s students. They have to be taught to challenge what they know, think out of the box and explore new paths that will help move our world forward and contribute to solving problems in the future. Through debates with teachers and classmates, KIS students are encouraged to challenge preconceptions and be risk- takers in solving problems in unconventional ways.
Finally, one of the most important skills to be successful in the future is to be a lifelong learner. When students at KIS learn how to be a good learner and how they learn best, they become equipped with the self-knowledge needed to always stay up to date with the latest developments in the world. They can adjust to new ways of doing things, new technologies and new jobs. In fact, they may well become the innovators who make the world a better place.
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