Embrace change to prosper

THE human race is in a period of rapid change. That’s evident by the incredible advances made thanks to technology. Another indicator is the changing landscape of jobs. People are being replaced by robots, and that can create a sense of fear about the future.

Jobs of the future won’t look like jobs of today, so we need to start arming our kids now so they will be able to make a decent living.

It’s a given that the curriculum should echo what a future workforce will look like. At the same time, the fact people are living longer and the age of retirement seems to be constantly stretching out means us adults need to be thinking about our futures too. A future where an ageing population is on welfare is just not realistic.

I really like our Northern Family package this week. On the one hand, we have an article about the direction our kids need to be advancing. And then to temper this constant need to do better and be smarter, are the wise words of Dr Justin Coulson, who gives advice about the ways we can take the pressure off our kids.

The fact that science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) have been touted as the biggest area of growth worldwide is nothing new. Teachers know this. Just visit any toy shop and you’ll see the words “STEM” popping up.

We can’t fear the future. If we all look towards it positively than it’ll be brighter indeed.