Critical thinking and teamwork are of more use than being able to simply recall facts
When we talk about what school must teach young people to be, we often fall back on buzzwords: Entrepreneurs. Forward-facing leaders. Innovative thinkers. Team players. But what do these labels actually mean in the context of a classroom – and beyond?
At its core, preparing students for the future means helping them to think critically, work well with others and bounce back from setbacks. These are the human skills that will remain in demand no matter how fast technology evolves. And there is one approach that consistently builds these competencies: project-based, practical learning.
Instead of asking students to memorise information they may never use, we should be giving them opportunities to investigate meaningful questions, collaborate on real-world challenges and reflect on their own learning.
Traditional classrooms reward recall over reasoning. But now that AI can do deep research in the blink of an eye, knowledge alone is no longer power. It is what you do with it that counts. Project-based learning (PBL) flips the script by asking students to analyse, interpret, evaluate and apply what they learn.
Whether they are pitching a business plan or solving a social issue, students should be challenged to question assumptions and make informed decisions. These habits drive critical thinking and they are not developed through worksheets or lectures alone.
Working together
School can be a strangely individualistic experience. But in life, success is rarely a solo act. PBL centres on collaboration. It teaches students life skills like how to listen actively, share responsibility, resolve conflict and build on each other’s ideas. These skills are best learnt through doing – through building something together, solving a shared challenge or presenting a group solution to a real audience.
Collaboration also nurtures empathy and respect. In diverse project teams, students encounter different perspectives, learn to navigate differences and see how their strengths can complement others’. This is powerful preparation for life beyond school.
Most schools still organise knowledge into neat boxes, but the world is not siloed like this. Real challenges, from climate change to financial planning, cut across disciplines and require integrated thinking. Projects naturally connect subjects. A single task might involve mathematical modelling, persuasive writing, ethical decision making and digital design. This not only mirrors real-world problem solving but also helps students see the relevance and application of what they are doing.
When everything in school is geared toward tests and marks, it is easy for students to disconnect from their deeper motivations. Practical, project-based learning reintroduces a sense of purpose. It shows students that their ideas matter, that they can make an impact and that learning is not just about grades – it is about doing something meaningful. It also builds resilience. Projects do not always go according to plan. There are setbacks, iterations and feedback loops. But through this process, students develop grit, adaptability and a growth mindset.
Many students experience school as something done ‘to’ rather than ‘with’ them. But when students have ownership over their work – when they are researching a topic they care about, building something tangible or solving a problem that matters – they engage more deeply.
Text | Shaun Fuchs
Photography | Sophon Nawit
Shaun Fuchs is the founder and CEO of Centennial Schools Sandton. For more information, go to centennialschools.co.za.
