The Pymble Archibull Prize and program development: what will our planet look like in 2050? Raymond Howells Geography Teacher
In the 21st century, students require skills to adapt to a rapidly changing global environment to solve complex, multi-faceted issues including climate change, energy insecurity, overpopulation and environmental degradation (Kwauk & Winthrop, 2021). The past two years have illustrated the
These competencies are commonly
need for a new way of thinking to ensure
referred to as ‘soft skills’, skills that
demand for resources can be met
are desirable in all professions which
sustainably and equitably in a polarising
develop innovative solutions to
world where many worldwide experience problems and involve flexibility and hunger, malnutrition, inadequate access
openness to a wide range of ideas and
to education and health (Food and
viewpoints. Succi and Canovi (2020)
Agriculture Organisation of the United
found 86 per cent of respondents to
Nations, 2021).
their research indicated an increased
The subject of Geography encapsulates a need to go beyond the traditional classroom and enrich students in issues that face society today in ways that are relatable and comprehensive. Most importantly, it demonstrates there are exciting solutions already taking place across the world, across space, from local to global. Geography is fortunate to have many avenues which provide students with a diverse curriculum and opportunities to develop their future competencies for the workplace,
emphasis on soft skills over the last five to ten years and that companies consider soft skills more important than students and graduates do. In 2016, the World Economic Forum (2016) released the Future of Jobs Report and commented on cognitive abilities such as creativity, mathematical reasoning and process skills such as active listening and how critical thinking will be a growing part of core skills requirements for many industries. There are new jobs that exist today that
including problem solving, collaboration, did not exist a decade ago. Advances in creativity and innovation (Nagel, 2008;
technology are bringing unprecedented
Australian Curriculum, 2022).
changes to the nature of work, occupations and industries.
Pymble Ladies’ College
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