their diploma, and so, not surprisingly, universities prize the IB over a number of other qualifications.
A mindset to match our globalised world
Another interesting fact is that 67% of heads of enterprise said that exposure to different nationalities was an extremely use- ful building block in developing an entre- preneurial mindset. Coupled with the global outlook of the IB, this means that the class curriculum is covered from multi- ple different viewpoints. Candace Rubenstein, now a lead material
lab analyst at Under Armour, a sportswear brand, commented: “Having attended ACS in my most impressionable years has been a huge factor in my ability to work with all kinds of people from different back- grounds, experiences and cultures.” Students in an international school share experiences, discuss multiple viewpoints
and learn from each other, helping to de- velop a greater international outlook – a skill highly prized among today’s global employers and an aptitude that is only going to rise in importance.
Future innovators need creativity skills
Finally, nearly five in 10 survey respon- dents also said that budget cuts which re- duced arts provision in schools was harmful to the development of an entre- preneurial mindset and in particular, cre- ative thinking skills. Studying the arts is increasingly impor-
tant and relevant in economies that rely on innovators and creative minds to generate new ways of thinking about the world. In fact, recently, a CEO of a global bank said his business is just as likely to recruit some- one with an art degree as one in maths, be- cause their business is looking for
innovators; people who can synthesis ideas and come up with new options. Students who take part in drama, music
or the visual arts develop the imagination needed in pioneering industries. Gwen Musial, now a PhD candidate in biomed- ical engineering at the University of Houston, said: “In research and develop- ment, creativity is a useful tool for think- ing of unique solutions to difficult problems. By having a balanced and well- rounded background, a student has a broad base of experience to draw upon when faced with challenges.” To ensure that our children are prepared
for the future, for industries and job roles yet to even enter the imagination, we must ensure that they develop adaptable life skills including a creative mindset, the ability to work with others and independ- ent thinking. And for that, a qualification and school environment that’s already fu- ture-focused is needed.
Jeremy Lewis is the head of school at ACS Egham International School.
www.acs-schools.com/acs-egham
www.focus-info.org
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