SKILLS FOR TOMORROW COURSE
SKILLS FOR TOMORROW: A HOLISTIC APPROACH
At Clifton High School, we believe that education extends far beyond textbooks and classrooms. Our commitment to excellence goes hand in hand with preparing our pupils for the dynamic challenges of the 21st Century.
As you consider joining our vibrant community, let us introduce you to our innovative and forward-thinking course: “Skills for Tomorrow”. This course has been designed by our Transformation & AI Lead using guidance and vast research including the work of UNESCO & The OECD as well as including a guest lecture series for our Year 12 pupils by London Interdisciplinary School.
1. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) AND DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP
In an era where technology shapes our lives, understanding Artificial Intelligence (AI) is essential, and we introduce our Year 7 and Year 12 pupils delve into the fascinating world of AI, exploring its impact on society, ethics and privacy. They learn to navigate the digital landscape responsibly, becoming informed digital citizens who contribute positively to the online realm.
Topics will include:
• What is AI and how can it be used?
• The Neuroscience of learning with AI
• Prompt Engineering & Literacy
• AI Ethics, Safety and The Future
• Data Ownership
• Digital Skills & Analytical Judgement
Intertwined with Clifton High School’s values:
• Curiosity: We encourage pupils to question and explore AI’s possibilities.
• Empathy: Understanding AI’s implications fosters empathy toward its societal effects.
• Direction: AI knowledge provides direction for future careers and innovations
2. SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
Beyond academic prowess lies the ability to connect with others. Our pupils cultivate social and emotional intelligence; skills that empower them to build meaningful relationships, resolve conflicts and empathise with diverse perspectives.
Through collaborative projects and interactive workshops, Year 7 and Year 12 learners develop emotional resilience and effective communication.
Intertwined with Clifton High School’s values:
• Empathy: Social and emotional intelligence nurtures empathy and compassion.
• Love: Building strong relationships aligns with our ethos of love and kindness.
• Direction: These skills guide pupils toward successful personal and professional lives.
3. PERSONAL WELLBEING
A healthy mind and body are prerequisites for success. Our curriculum emphasises personal wellbeing, teaching mindfulness, stress management and physical health. Year 7 and Year 12 pupils engage in mindfulness, learn about
nutrition and explore strategies for maintaining balance in their lives
Intertwined with Clifton High School’s values:
• Love: Self-care and wellbeing reflect selflove and respect.
• Curiosity: Pupils explore holistic approaches to wellness.
• Direction: Wellbeing is the compass for a fulfilling life journey.
4. LOCAL AND GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
Our pupils are not just learners; they are citizens of the world. Year 7 and Year 12 pupils delve into local and global issues, understanding their responsibilities as active citizens. Whether participating in community projects or discussing global challenges, they learn to make a positive impact.
Topics will include:
• Citizenship & Critical Consciousness
• Local & Global Cultures
• Sustainability & Cyclecar Economics
• Awareness & Charity
• Globalisation & Interconnectedness
• Making Change
Intertwined with Clifton High School’s values:
• Empathy: Citizenship involves empathy for others’ needs.
• Curiosity: Pupils explore diverse perspectives and global contexts.
• Direction: Citizenship provides purpose and direction in contributing to society.
5. SOLVING REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH
Year 7 and Year 12 pupils engage in interdisciplinary problem-solving. They tackle real-world challenges by integrating knowledge from various subjects. Whether designing sustainable solutions or addressing environmental issues, they learn that collaboration and creativity drive progress.
Topics will include:
• Humanitarian and Environmental Challenges
• Innovative Solutions & Thinking
• Addressing a problem
• Presenting an idea
Intertwined with Clifton High School’s values:
• Curiosity: Problem-solving sparks curiosity and innovation.
• Direction: Practical solutions align with our aim for individual brilliance.
• Love: Love for the planet drives environmental consciousness.
6. DEVELOPING CRITICAL CONSCIOUSNESS
Our pupils become critical thinkers. They analyse complex issues, question assumptions and develop a consciousness that transcends the ordinary. Year 7 and Year 12 learners explore ethical dilemmas, historical contexts and societal norms, fostering a deeper understanding of the world.
Intertwined with Clifton High School’s values:
• Empathy: Critical consciousness encourages empathy for marginalised voices.
• Direction: It guides pupils toward informed decisions and positive change.
• Love: Love for justice and equity fuels critical thinking.
Skills For Tomorrow Curriculum Year 7 and Year 12
• Social & Emotional Learning through Tutorials
• Personal Wellbeing & Social Emotional Learning in Health & Wellbeing
• Global Cultures & Citizenship in Geography & Languages & History
21ST CENTURY SKILLS MAPPED
ACROSS THE LEARNING JOURNEY AT CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL
• Local Cultures & Citizenship in Geography & History
• Solving Real World Problems in Science
• Personal Wellbeing in Biology
• Ethics in Biology
• Digital Citizenship in Computing
• Personal Wellbeing in Food & Nutrition
• Ethics & Bias in Religious Studies
• Global & Local Cultures in Religious Studies
• Artificial Intelligence Image Creation in Technology & Art
• Personal Wellbeing in Physical Education
• Local Citizenship through School Council Representation & The Heads Team
RESEARCH
UNESCO, OECD & PISA have all conducted valuable research into the skills needed for individuals and collective global & local communities to thrive in the future.
These skills and competencies move away from material growth and recall to sustainability, collaboration, interdisciplinary skills and wellbeing.
UNESCO affirms that the deployment of AI technologies in education should be purposed to enhance human capacities and to protect human rights for effective human-machine collaboration in life, learning and work, and for sustainable development. Teaching pupils about the ways in which artificial intelligence works; its flaws, ethics and uses will enable the next generation to make informed decisions upon their personal use of AI and its use across the world.
The work being done by The London Interdisciplinary School and UNESCO highlights the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to learning for pupils. Encouraging the collaboration with key stakeholders within communities locally and globally to give pupils the opportunity to problem solve in the real world; giving them ownership of their learning but also developing their future-ready skills.
The PISA Global competency framework and the local citizenship frameworks highlighted throughout UNESCO’s Education Reimagined framework highlight the need for pupils to be not only learning beyond the classroom, but to be engaging in the communities beyond the School. With ageing populations, humanitarian
displacement and global warming, pupils must be involved in supporting our collective ecosystem for it to thrive and for pupils to thrive within it. Whether pupils are volunteering in care homes, local sustainability projects or taking part in international projects this must be incorporated into future curriculums.
Decades of research has demonstrated the benefits of Social, Emotional Learning (SEL). In a meta-analysis of 213 school based SEL programs, participants demonstrated significantly improved social and emotional skills, attitudes and behaviour, as well as improved academic performance. The impact of SEL and Emotional Intelligence has been shown to positively impact the neuroscience of learning by improving neuroplasticity and wellbeing.
Scan the QR code to find out more about how these skills are intertwined into our School values.
