27/08/2026
A recent report from the National Foundation for Educational Research identifies six Essential Employment Skills that will become increasingly important as technology and AI reshape the world of work:
Communication • Collaboration • Information literacy • Organising, planning & prioritising • Problem solving & decision making • Creative thinking
At Michael Hall, these aren't an extra layer added to education. They are developed through learning itself.
01 — Communication
Presenting ideas, performing, discussion, debate, writing and learning to listen give children opportunities to find their voice and understand different perspectives.
02 — Collaboration
Music, drama, group projects, practical work, festivals and everyday classroom life involve working with others towards something shared.
03 — Information literacy
Our Main Lesson approach asks pupils to engage deeply with a subject, ask questions, investigate, make connections and develop their own understanding — rather than simply collecting information.
04 — Organising, planning & prioritising
Longer-term projects, practical work, performances, presentations and independent study give pupils opportunities to manage their time, work through a process and take responsibility.
05 — Problem solving & decision making
From making something to approaching a mathematical problem, carrying out an investigation or navigating a group project, pupils regularly encounter situations where there isn't simply one answer.
06 — Creative thinking
Creativity runs through the curriculum — from art, music, drama and handwork to finding different ways to approach a problem, make connections and develop something of their own.
The NFER report makes an important point: these skills are not “soft skills” that children either have or don't have. They can be developed.
Perhaps that is one of the most valuable things education can do: give young people a strong foundation of knowledge while giving them opportunities to think, communicate, create, collaborate and act on their ideas.
Education for life. Not simply preparation for exams.
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