Schools must play a major role in preparing students for 21st century jobs many of which don’t yet exist, according to Macarthur Anglican School.
Rebecca Joel, head of senior school, who often advises students about career choices, says that workplaces now and in the future need workers who have critical and creative thinking skills.
“Generation Z students are very empowered, and many know what they want. They have learnt from the Covid pandemic that the world can change rapidly and they need to be adaptable,’’ says Mrs Joel.
“Our role as educators is to guide them and prepare them for the world beyond the school gates.’’
The school recently joined up with the Association of Independent Schools of NSW (AISNSW), and two other local schools, to form a South West Sydney regional hub to assist students with course and career choices.
A hub careers day with a difference will be held prior to the new school year in 2022.
Students will complete a careers style questionnaire prior to the event to highlight their skills, untapped talents and passions.
They will use the results of this questionnaire to select a variety of different sessions to attend and will be able to discover skill clusters like designers, carers, informers, and others.
The students will also participate in one wildcard-style selection session that will expose them to skills clusters that may not have been highlighted in their questionnaire results – the purpose is to challenge them to try something new and to think differently.
“South West Sydney is a growth area with infrastructure like the new airport presenting huge opportunities,’’ says Mrs Joel.
“We want our students to understand they can have a meaningful career close to home rather than having to move away,” Mrs Joel said.
