We often confuse educational outcomes with educational outputs. Consequently, we remain confused about what our children should learn in schools in Singapore. For example, in a mathematics class, the numerical skills that the students develop, are the outputs of the class. Knowing how to add and subtract was the class’s result. Now, if these very students use the math skills outside the classroom to buy groceries or maintain personal finances, that is the educational outcome of the math class.

Naturally, we cannot simply focus on the output of the class. We need to focus on the following educational outcomes and make sure that our children receive a complete education where they not only know things but can apply them in their daily life as well.

Here’s what we should really expect our children to learn in schools.

1. Lifelong learningWisdom comes from lifelong learning. There is no end to knowledge in this world and a person who constantly reads and learns is not only scholarly but also down to earth. Moreover, lifelong learning has now become a necessary skill. To attain professional achievement, no student can part ways with education right after school or college. Hence, school educationshould be such that the students understand the purpose of seeking knowledge and become lifelong learners in all fields of life.

2. LeadershipWe are all leaders in different ways. Some use their knowledge to lead a scientific discovery while others bank on their education to run a country. Some use their understanding to solve a social problem while others use their education to lead missions to save forests. Leadership is not only about standing on a podium and motivating a crowd. It is also about taking small steps to bring about gradual changes. And true leadership is always rooted in quality education where the leader can impact one or many lives in different ways. Schools hold the key to bring out the leadership qualities in everyone. Education should always reach for developing leaders.

3. Global citizenship

Globalisation has brought about progress and technological advancement to the whole world. And even in this new era of partial nationalism, humanity cannot move forward without international cooperation. The best schools in Singapore thus focus on teaching with an international curriculum. The outcome of education in such schools is global citizenship where the students are not only trying to solve localised problems but think on a global scale. Only global citizens can bring about an end to the climate crisis, or work to eliminate poverty and diseases. Education must broaden the next generation’s views to bring further transformation.

4. Expert communication

Wisdom is wasted in a silent observer. Knowledge is useless if not applied. An educated mind almost always comes up with great ideas but the owner has to communicate to put action behind the idea. Not many of us see expert communication as an educational outcome but without the power of expression, true change cannot come. The educated mind holds the key to visualise the loopholes, suggest productive changes, mobilise passionate workers to change the world. The best school curriculum will always try to transform its students into expert communicators. Be it verbal, written or simply listening, expert communicators can influence, motivate and inspire.

5. Creative and strategic thinkingOr, the intuition to question the norms and strategically present a solution. We have done away with age-old counterproductive thinking, by questioning what was widely accepted without logic. Education, again, has to strive to create critical thinkers who not only raise doubts but also strategically implement new ideas that lead to progress. Students need to be strategic and creative thinkers in all spheres of life. Whether in their personal or professional lives, they can become better versions of themselves by thinking and acting out of the box.

And the list does not end here. Depending on geography and culture, modern school education can have more educational outcomes in their mission statements. Just like Wise OAKS International School has a total of 8 educational outcomes or boughs around which it has designed its pedagogy. They include the above 5 along with adaptive learning, fitness enthusiasm, and harmony ambassadors. By focusing on educational outcomes, we equip students with the skills needed to help them become torchbearers of a new, harmonious world.