Day Dream Believers - an inspiring pilot from Edinburgh College

In 2016 the World Economic Forum published the Future of Jobs, which looked at the employment, skills and workforce strategy for the future. They identified the top 3 skills for 2020; Complex problem solving, critical thinking, Creativity

In Scotland our young people narrow their subject choices at the age of 13. They often see science and art as binary education and career choices. We need Da Vinci’s and Michelangelo’s. We need individuals who are both scientist and artist – creative visionaries. These will be our future entrepreneurs.

At Edinburgh College we believe that our young people can develop an entrepreneurial mindset and skills by embedding real world, student led, inquiry based projects into school classrooms. Entrepreneurial thinking supports 21st century competencies such as creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking.

We want to enable our teachers to coach and facilitate experiential ways of student learning based on play, passion, and purpose. We want to inspire our young people to build new things and new contexts and to create meaning in today’s networked world.

So we approached three of our partners that work with us on our Visual communication course here at Edinburgh College. Whitespace, Skyscanner and Amazerealise were challenged to create a programme of delivery for S2 (12- 13) year old pupils that promotes complex problem solving, critical thinking and creativity. This 15-week programme would also examine ways that we can connect and share the expertise of Employers, Teachers, Lecturers and Student Ambassadors.

Working together as partners, we want to create new opportunities for pupils to develop the theories and skills of different ways of thinking.
Skills Development Scotland and Education Scotland are supporting two pilots working with 6 schools across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Its week five and we are already seeing results.. this is making a difference - watch video here!

Want to get in on the action? Helena would love to hear from you. Drop an email to Helena Good.