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?
By Shaun Fuchs, founder and CEO of Centennial Schools Sandton
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.
- From memorisation to critical thinking: 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.
- From solo achievement to collaborative learning: 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. And these skills are best learned 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.
- From curriculum silos to integrated learning: 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.
- From marks-focused mindsets to growth and purpose: 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.
- From passive learning to engaged participation: 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.
PBL invites students to take the lead. It’s one of the reasons why at Centennial Schools we challenge students to ask their own questions, make choices, manage their time, and take responsibility for the outcome. It turns passive students into active participants, and it shifts the teacher’s role from information-giver to learning coach and mentor.
An example of this in action is NextGen Founders, an entrepreneurship programme launched at Centennial Schools for students in Grades 6-11. Through this initiative, students gain hands-on experience in marketing, budgeting, operations, and leadership while they create, develop, and manage their own businesses. They are mentored by real-world business experts. They solve relevant problems. But most importantly, they learn by doing. Through this programme, they learn a very important skill which is critical thinking and every school should be nurturing this skill.
If we want to equip the next generation to lead, innovate, and collaborate in a complex world, we need to move beyond outdated models of education. Project-based and practical learning redefines what learning looks like and what success in school means. It is not a trend. It is a transformation, and it is critical.