21st Century Skills

Preparing pupils for a changing world

Our 21st Century Skills programme equips pupils with the confidence, curiosity and transferable skills they will need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Delivered through three distinctive courses in Years 4, 5 and 6, it develops communication, critical thinking, research, collaboration and linguistic curiosity alongside the wider curriculum.

Three years of discovery

Each year group explores a different aspect of the programme.

In Year 4, pupils study Oracy, developing their speaking and listening skills through creative projects such as persuasive speeches and an introduction to philosophy. They learn how to communicate clearly, engage an audience and express their ideas with confidence.

In Year 5, pupils take Perse Global Perspectives, a problem-solving course that encourages them to explore local, national and global issues. They work collaboratively, develop their critical thinking skills and learn how to research effectively using The Perse Research Model, from generating thoughtful questions through to evaluating the success of their investigations.

In Year 6, pupils study Linguistics, exploring how languages are formed, connected and evolve over time. They are introduced to Ancient Greek, Latin, Hindi, Mandarin, Arabic and British Sign Language (BSL) before considering how languages may continue to develop in the future.

Beyond the classroom

The 21st Century Skills programme is enriched through clubs, performances and visiting speakers, particularly during Inspiration Week. Pupils have the opportunity to hear from experts on topics such as Forgotten Languages, while links with Drama Spotlight and language clubs allow them to develop their interests beyond the classroom.

Skills in action

Throughout the 21st Century Skills programme, pupils put their learning into practice. They perform speeches and presentations to their classmates in Oracy, carry out independent research through Perse Global Perspectives, and experiment with writing systems from each of the six languages they encounter in Linguistics. Together, these experiences help pupils become confident communicators, thoughtful researchers and curious learners, well prepared for the next stage of their education.