WEEKLY WHITEBOARD ??
8billionideas
Our mission is to give every student on the planet the skills and belief to change the world.
Question of the day: What’s the most powerful skill a student can leave your classroom with? ??
What we’ll cover in this edition
We know we talk about future-focused skills a lot — but with each passing year (sometimes even a month), the world changes, and so do the skills students need to thrive.
As we step into the second month of the new year, it’s the perfect time to refresh and simplify our approach to preparing students for the future.
Here’s a new-year spin on three essential skills — entrepreneurial thinking, teamwork, and confident communication — along with simple, practical ways to embed them into your classroom.
News updates that matter:
?? The education market in the UAE is expected to grow by USD 5.1 Billion (2025-2029).
???UK Education Secretary outlines plans to modernise the education sector
???More pupils in England off school after Christmas break than last year
???Shocking Stats Alert???
From August to October 2024,?604,000 young people?aged 16 to 24 in the UK were unemployed—an increase of?84,000 compared to the previous year. The youth unemployment rate rose to?13.9%, up from?12.2%?the year prior.
We get it — reaching the 100% work-ready mark and meeting key government benchmarks can feel like an uphill climb. Factors like available opportunities, students' location, cost, and logistical issues often stand in the way.
The Internship is an award-winning work simulation that offers a modern alternative to work experience for all students at once.
We recently introduced the?'Asynchronous'?version (virtual work experience) of The Internship that:
??Reduces admin with easy health and safety checks
? Is flexible, remote, and fits seamlessly into any student's schedule
? Has a very flexible (can be parent or school-paid) and affordable cost structure.?Just ￡49/student. ??
?And the best part? Nothing else changes:
?? You’ll still hit the key education benchmarks.
?? Students gain real-world, practical skills employers value.
?? They build a standout portfolio to strengthen future applications.?
THURSDAY SPOTLIGHT: SKILLS-BASED CLASSROOM IDEAS?
Preparing Students for the Future — 3 Essential Skills
1. Entrepreneurial Thinking
?? Explanation of the Skill & Why It’s Important
Entrepreneurial thinking is about spotting opportunities, solving problems, and taking action. It nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and resilience—key traits for success in a fast-changing world.
??? Ways to Embed into Classroom Learning
2. Teamwork & Collaboration
?? Explanation of the Skill & Why It’s Important
Teamwork involves effective communication, empathy, and shared problem-solving. It prepares students for collaborative work environments, promotes inclusivity, and teaches conflict resolution.
??? Ways to Embed into Classroom Learning
3. Confidence in Communication
?? Explanation of the Skill & Why It’s Important
Confidence in communication helps students articulate ideas clearly and persuasively. It strengthens self-advocacy, active listening, and leadership skills.
??? Ways to Embed into Classroom Learning
TOP THREE EDUCATION UPDATES THAT MATTER??
The latest news: ?
1?? UAE's Education Evolution: The UAE education market is projected to grow by USD 5.1 billion from 2025-2029 at a CAGR of 8.6%, driven by increasing student enrollments and rising awareness of early education. Growth in pre-primary education is fueled by a growing expatriate population, dual-income households, and government initiatives like UAE Vision 2021. However, challenges such as high education costs persist. Private players dominate the K-12 sector, and digital skills are in high demand for workforce readiness. The UAE's education sector will continue to evolve, with a strong emphasis on upskilling and preparing the workforce for the future. (Via PR Newswire)
Why it matters: This highlights the UAE's evolving education market, offering opportunities for growth, investment, and innovation in preparing a future-ready workforce.?
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2?? AI-Driven Classrooms: Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson unveiled plans for a 'digital revolution' in education at the Bett Show, focusing on AI to reduce teacher workload and address the recruitment crisis. Major tech firms like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have committed to developing safer AI tools for classroom use. New teacher training will include assistive technology to support students with special educational needs. The initiative aims to transform outcomes for vulnerable pupils and modernise the education system. (Via GOV UK)
Why it matters: These technological interventions will only work if schools and colleges have the right tech for their needs. Lack of awareness about the right technology creates a digital divide, where some students and staff benefit from the opportunities of new technologies, while others struggle to navigate the basics. Proper execution of these plans will be key to making the said 'digital revolution' a success.?
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3?? Cracking Down Absences: Unauthorised school absences in England have risen to 2.7% at the start of this term (post-Christmas break), up from 2.5% in the same period last year, according to the DfE. To boost attendance post-Covid, fines for unauthorised absences have increased from ￡60 to ￡80, with repeat offenders facing higher penalties. Schools must now consider fines for children missing 10 or more sessions without permission. Parents exceeding two fines per child in three years could face prosecution and fines up to ￡2,500. (Via The Standard)
Why it matters: This news underscores stricter measures to tackle rising school absences in England, emphasising the importance of attendance and parental accountability.?