Preparing students for a changing world 

In 2023, the World Economic Forum identified the top 10 skills predicted to be the most in-demand by employers in 2030, echoed by university careers departments and industry leaders. Creativity, critical thinking and analysis, emotional intelligence as well as data skills, digital literacy and leadership skills ranked highly. Following the GDST’s 2023 student survey, it is clear that students too recognise and want the practical skills necessary to equip them with the confidence for success in the future.  

In response, Blackheath High School will be taking a deep dive into the skills leaders of the future will need with our Futures SuperSkills Conference on Tuesday 26 March. The conference is specifically designed to help support students via an engaging programme of practical skills workshops and talks. Students will explore and develop the practical skills needed for confident, assertive and responsible, critically-thinking young women. During a series of interactive sessions with a range of specialist speakers, students will be able to develop their knowledge and confidence in a range of skills including: 

• Active listening  

• Assertiveness training & managing difficult conversations 

• Assessment Centre skills 

• Critical thinking  

• Exploring the female voice 

• Interviewing 

• Public speaking  

• Personal Finance  

• Networking  

• Organisational  

• Non-verbal communication  

In addition to the practical workshops and talks, students will have the unique opportunity to connect with peers from other schools, learning the value of collaborative working, developing their leadership and networking skills. 

Speakers confirmed so far include a singer and female vocal coach specialist, an expert in degree apprenticeships, a performance artist and an industry leader in careers experiences. 

A key ingredient of our ongoing Futures Programme is the unique Wollstonecraft Speaker Series. We have had some wonderful Wollstonecraft Speakers this half term, with inspirational talks from speakers including:

• Dr Svetlana Smirnova, UX Research Lead at JP Morgan Chase, whose work focuses on research and research strategy for an extensive portfolio of HR products; products that make it easy for employees to perform their work duties, collaborate, receive pay and benefits, and upgrade their skills and knowledge. During her talk, she explored the skills involved in learning from others to build success. 

• Rhiannon Evans, Schools & Youth Engagement Lead for London’s Air Ambulance Charity. Rhiannon gave a fascinating insight into the charity and the variety of different roles involved in their vital service delivery. Did you know, for example, that London’s Air Ambulance attends on average five extremely serious incidents every single day? Or that there is only one female helicopter pilot in the entire UK Air Ambulance fleet? Part of Rhiannon’s mission as she visits primary and secondary schools and youth groups across London, is to tell young people about the various roles in the team (medical/operational and charity/fundraising), and to raise awareness of the charity and its work. Rhiannon is passionate about providing young people with information to support them to make informed choices about their futures and giving an insight into roles that may be less familiar.   

• Hannah Giles, BHS Alumna and BA Undergraduate of University of East Anglia studying Mathematics, who joined us to share valuable first-hand insight into university life. Hannah attended Blackheath High from 2016 until 2023, where she completed A-levels in Maths, Further Maths, Computer Science and Politics.