Unlike the days of yore, when good grades were enough to secure decent jobs, employers today are looking at more than the academic qualifications, while recruiting employees.
Many organisations want candidates who can think out of the box, demonstrate emotional intelligence and solve problems as they come.
According to a McKinsey and Company report, students who undergo skill-based training are 35-50 percent more employable than those who go through traditional education.
“Schools that focus solely on theoretical learning are a raw deal for anyone looking to succeed in today’s competitive world,” says Anthony Mwangi, a leadership teacher at Crawford International School.
“Parents must invest in taking their children to an environment that stimulates thought and focuses on skills, for their future to be secure,” he adds.
Unlike conventional schooling, which often prioritizes memorization, holistic institutions focus on cultivating life skills like critical thinking, problem solving, time management, communication, collaboration and self-reliance.
Lessons are often integrated across traditional subject boundaries and linked to real life experience, making the learning more engaging and meaningful.
Students are taught social and emotional skills which helps them understand and manage their own feelings, develop empathy for others and build stronger relationships.
“In essence, holistic education aims to graduate individuals who are not only academically proficient but also possess the skills, character and well-being needed to lead fulfilling lives,” Amanda Birkenstock, Executive Principal, Crawford International School, said.
“This balanced approach offers a comprehensive preparation for the challenges and opportunities of the future,” she added.
While following the rigorous Cambridge International Curriculum, Crawford has been advancing holistic education by intentionally integrating academic learning with personalized support, character development and diverse co-curricular engagement.
The school puts a heavy emphasis on STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics), using innovation labs for hands-on, project-based learning.
The school’s curriculum also focuses on progressive languages like Mandarin and unique courses like Cryptocurrency and Blockchains, whose usage in society has significantly increased lately.
The school also has programs that focus on building self-confidence, self-awareness and emotional resilience to help students navigate challenges like low self-esteem and peer pressure.
In addition, the school offers robust guidance and counselling programs to support students with emotional regulation, ethical decision-making and general well-being.
A wide array of co-curricular activities including cultural arts, sports and wellness, leadership and service, ensures the development of physical health, leadership and artistic expression.
“Our entire system is designed around the philosophy that every child is a masterpiece requiring an individualized approach,” said Birkenstock.
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