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Progressive Skills in Action at Whitgift Short Course: Fostering Holistic Development

Education today is about more than just acquiring textbook knowledge. It's about preparing students for the challenges of the modern world, giving them the opportunity to employ those important ‘human skills’ they will need in life. Whitgift Short Course stands out as a shining example of how project-based learning can effectively nurture these skills in young and teenage learners. 

Cultivating Human Skills through Project-Based Learning

At the heart of the Whitgift Short Course are project-based lessons designed to develop a wide range of human skills. These skills, often referred to as "soft skills," include critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, communication, collaboration, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. Unlike traditional education models, which often focus solely on memorization and test, Progressive Skills in Acction places students in real-world scenarios that demand practical application communicative skills they will need to use in the future.
Through engaging and thought-provoking projects, students are encouraged to think outside the box, collaborate effectively, and adapt to unexpected challenges. These experiences build the foundation for their personal and professional growth, fostering a holistic approach to education that transcends traditional classroom boundaries.

The Power of Public Speaking: Presenting Work to the School

One highlight of the Whitgift Short Course is the emphasis on public speaking skills. At the end of the week-long program, students are required to present their project work to the entire school. This practice not only helps students develop confidence in articulating their ideas but also instills the ability to engage and captivate an audience. This week, the Upper School gave a 'Dragon's Den' business proposal to a panel of 3 teachers. In the Lower School, the students had to present a film pitch to their peers. This type of public speaking is a skill that transcends academic boundaries. It is a vital tool in professional and personal life, enabling individuals to effectively convey their thoughts, inspire others, and make a lasting impact. By incorporating public speaking into the course structure, Whitgift Short Course prepares students for the challenges they'll face beyond the classroom.
 

A Balanced Approach: Afternoon Lessons for Preparation

To facilitate the best possible outcomes, students have four afternoon lessons to prepare their project work. These afternoon sessions allow the students to immerse themselves fully in their projects, be as creative as possible as well as think outside the box. Importantly, this project work also mimics the real-world experience of working on projects within specific timeframes, preparing students for the demands of future academic and professional pursuits.

Collaboration and Cultural Exchange: Working in Small Groups

Another unique feature of the Whitgift Short Course is its emphasis on collaboration and cultural exchange. Students work in small groups consisting of 4-5 members, which provides an ideal environment for fostering teamwork and individual responsibility. What's more, the inclusion of international students, who collaborate with British students from Whitgift and Old Palace schools, enriches the experience by introducing diverse perspectives and cross-cultural communication skills.

Tailored Learning for Different Age Groups

Projects for the Lower School (ages 11-13) focus on nurturing creativity and innovative thinking, while projects for the Upper School (ages 14-17) delve into areas like marketing, advertising, and business. This approach ensures that students are not only learning relevant content but also developing skills that will help them in the future. The Progressive Skills in Action presentations are held on Friday afternoons are split into 2 sections: presentations in which the students explain their project and then the communicative event in which the students have to discuss, ask questions, debate and find out more about each other's project.

Preparation for the Future

It was fantastic to see our summer school students present their projects to the school on Friday. It's never easy to get up on stage and speak to an audience, but our students did really well! Mr Bates, the Director of International Education said: "I am thoroughly impressed by the students' outstanding endeavours and tenacity. It's times like these that the students will remember long after they have left Whitgift Summer School and I really hope they draw on these experiences the next time they have to speak in public".

Ultimately, Progressive Skills in Action is designed to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in their future academic and professional adventures and by having the courage to go up on stage, speak to their fellows classmates, and their teachers. By instilling the values of teamwork, individual responsibility, and meeting deadlines, the course prepares students for the challenges they'll face when they enter university and the workforce.