The Future of Education: a nurturing, aspirational space for tomorrow’s leaders to thrive
The Future of Education: a nurturing, aspirational space for tomorrow’s leaders to thrive
About 170 million new jobs will be created this decade, according to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025.
As we move towards 2030, the landscape of work is being reshaped by global economic shifts, climate change, and technological advancements. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights key trends that demand a fundamental rethink of education. To prepare students for this evolving world, our brand new innovative outdoor independent school prioritises play, project-based and inquiry led learning, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), environmental education, delivers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP), and encourages entrepreneurship.
We need to align children's whole educational journey with the Future of Jobs, not just FE and HE.
The Future of Jobs Report identifies resilience, flexibility, agility, creative thinking, and analytical skills as crucial for employment success. Unsurprisingly, AI, big data, networks, cybersecurity, and technology literacy are among the fastest-growing skills, while climate change mitigation and adaptation are top transformative trends. Our school’s philosophy is rooted in fostering these competencies and, (in my opinion) more importantly, the associated skills through a holistic, experience-driven approach to learning.
At the roots and the core, we need:
1. Play-Based and Project-Based Learning
Play and experiential learning are foundational for developing problem-solving abilities, resilience, and social influence; skills essential in the workforce of the future.
Project-based learning immerses students in real-world challenges, equipping them with critical thinking and teamwork skills that will be increasingly valued by employers.
2. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) & Environmental Education
With climate-change mitigation ranking as the third-most transformative trend in business, we need a curriculum that integrates environmental education to develop future sustainability leaders.
Students must engage in hands-on projects such as renewable energy design, permaculture, and conservation efforts, preparing them for careers as environmental engineers, renewable energy specialists, and climate strategists.
Environmental stewardship, a newly recognised essential skill, needs to be woven into daily learning experiences to instill a lifelong commitment to sustainability.
3. International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme - a switch up of curriculum
The IB MYP framework fosters inquiry-based learning, global awareness, and interdisciplinary thinking; all qualities essential in a complex, interconnected world.
Emphasis should be placed on analytical thinking, the most sought-after skill among employers, which will ensure students develop strong reasoning and problem-solving capabilities.
4. Entrepreneurship & Technology Integration
As AI, big data, cybersecurity, and technology literacy grow in importance, students must of course receive foundational training in coding, digital security, and business innovation.
Entrepreneurship education is the key to nurturing leadership, creativity, and adaptability, equipping students to create solutions for global challenges and become future job creators.
Through startup incubators and real-world business projects, students will develop skills in financial literacy, market analysis, and digital transformation.
We need to reframe education as preparing Future-Ready Leaders
A central principle when unearthing the mission of our school was to ensure students build resilience, adaptability, and curiosity; key attributes identified as critical for the 2025-2030 job market and beyond. By immersing students in nature-based and interdisciplinary learning, we foster lifelong learners equipped to lead in an era of rapid change.
The future of work demands an education system that is dynamic, hands-on, and aligned with emerging global trends. At Open Air Education, we prepare students not just to succeed but to thrive in an ever-evolving world. I believe that our school represents the future of learning; one that nurtures innovators, problem solvers, and leaders for a sustainable and technologically advanced world.
You can read the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs report here:
https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/in-full/
For lighter reading, the key findings are here:
https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/digest/
Or, if you prefer a short, sharp video on the skills of tomorrow, look here: https://www.weforum.org/videos/what-are-the-most-essential-skills-in-the-workplace-of-tomorrow/
Are you keen to discover ways you can be part of this educational revolution? Reach out to me anytime! Hannah, Founder of Open Air Education.