TOMORROW’S LEADERS / THE ROLE OF EDUCATION IN “THE FUTURE OF WORK.”

― With advancements in technology, automation, and artificial intelligence, the nature of work is changing faster than ever before. This has led to a great deal of uncertainty and anxiety about what the future of work will look like and what it means for our economy, society, and individual livelihoods.

by Gavin Clark Principal, Westbourne College

From an educational perspective, it is imperative that we closely examine these advancements to ensure that we are forecasting how we can adapt our practices to suit the needs of our students, and the needs of the workforce that we are preparing our students to enter. The role of education in preparing students for the workforce in 2023 is more crucial than ever. With rapid advancements in technology, shifting economic landscapes, and evolving job market demands, education plays a vital role in equipping students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindset to thrive in the workplace.

Of key importance is developing the future-oriented skills necessary to succeed in an evolving world and workforce. Education needs to focus on developing future-oriented skills that are in high demand in the modern workplace. This includes critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, communication, adaptability, digital and financial literacy. These skills enable students to navigate complex and rapidly changing work environments and to contribute effectively to innovation and problem-solving. The International Baccalaureate programme is a curriculum that embraces and advocates the inculcation of these skills. This is why it is regarded as the best pre university course in the world, however, the advancements in AI and in other technology will continue to challenge the educational status quo, including that of the IBO leading to further evolutions of their pedagogical and assessment practices. The impact of technology, automation, artificial intelligence, and other factors on the education system in the next 5-10 years include the increased use of online and digital learning platforms, such as open online courses and virtual classrooms, enhancing the programs that are delivered within our physical classrooms and allowing for more personalised learning experiences.

There will be more widespread use of educational technology tools, such as adaptive learning software and intelligent tutoring systems, which can provide personalised feedback and support to students. These personalised learning programs provide a bespoke educational offering for students whilst equipping teachers with a huge amount of individualised diagnostic assessment information which are used to inform their next steps in teaching and learning. These programs support our face to face teaching and learning programs and are integral to our core practices at Westbourne.

We must embrace the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the use of ChatGPT and equivalent programs. It is vital for students to learn how to use these successfully, and ethically, to assist their learning. Using ChatGPT improves students’ critical thinking, communication, problem solving, creativity and digital literacy skills. Students have to think critically about the information provided and evaluate its credibility, relevance, and accuracy. They can analyse the responses generated by the model, question assumptions, and consider alternative perspectives. Students can also improve their ability to articulate their thoughts clearly, ask concise and specific questions, and engage in meaningful discussions, whilst practising active listening and responding appropriately to the information provided. When using ChatGPT as a resource for problem-solving students formulate well-structured questions and analyse the responses received, they can develop strategies to tackle complex issues and find solutions. Overall, interacting with ChatGPT can inspire creative thinking as students explore new ideas and possibilities.

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education has, and will continue to become increasingly important due to the growing influence of technology in the workforce. Emphasising STEM subjects prepares students for careers in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data analysis, robotics, and renewable energy. It also cultivates analytical and logical thinking skills that are valuable across various industries.

Business knowledge also plays a crucial role in preparing students for the future of work in 2023 and beyond. In today’s rapidly evolving and highly competitive global economy, possessing a strong foundation in business is essential for success. We want our students to understand the economic landscape providing insights into the economic factors and industry dynamics shaping the world. We also need to develop their entrepreneurship and innovation skills, equipping students with the skills and mindset needed to identify opportunities, develop creative solutions, and take calculated risks. Students need a solid understanding of financial concepts such as budgeting, investing, financial analysis, and risk management, as this knowledge will enable them to make sound financial decisions, manage resources effectively, and contribute to economic growth in the future. This is underpinned by enhancing students’ leadership skills, making our students effective decision-makers who understand strategic planning, and resource allocation.

Furthering students’ emotional

About Westbourne College

intelligence and soft skills sits alongside these technical competencies. It is imperative that education should also prioritise the development of emotional intelligence and soft skills for our students. These skills include effective communication, empathy, teamwork, initiative, resilience and international mindedness. These are essential for building strong relationships, collaborating with diverse teams, and effectively managing interpersonal dynamics in the workplace.

In an era of rapid technological advancements and evolving industries, education should instil a lifelong learning and growth mindset in students, where they continuously strive to acquire new knowledge, learn new skills, and adapt to changing circumstances to remain relevant in the workforce. Education should equip students with the tools and motivation to become self-directed learners throughout their careers and this is central to preparing them for the demands of the “future of work”.

In this rapidly changing landscape, providing students with career guidance and opportunities for work-based learning is essential for bridging the gap between education and the workforce. Internships, apprenticeships, mentorship programs, and industry collaborations offer practical experiences and insights into real-world work environments, allowing students to apply their knowledge and develop industry-specific skills. This is core to our offering at Westbourne College where our students are treated as young professionals and where we establish relationships with the workforce to provide our students with these opportunities.

Finally, education should foster ethical awareness and global perspectives to prepare students for the challenges and responsibilities of a globalised workforce. Imprinting values such as integrity, social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and cultural sensitivity into our students will enable them to navigate global workplaces successfully, where they become truly global citizens and successful workers of the future.

Westbourne College Singapore is a new school for 15–18-year-olds situated in the heart of River Valley, offering IGCSE and IBDP programmes. Westbourne is a global network of schools based on 127 years of award-winning educational excellence. Our IBDP results in the UK and Australia rank us No. 1 in many metrics, and we’re excited to launch in Singapore in August 2023.

Westbourne College Singapore is a new school with a new approach to teaching and learning. We are STEM and Business centred personalising learning for your child, treating them as a young professionals in a secondary school setting.

Visit https://westbournecollege.com.sg/