The Head's Perspective

Preparing Learners for Life Beyond the Classroom

One of the most pressing questions in education today is: Are we preparing our young people for the world they are stepping into?

Traditionally, schools have been viewed as places where learners acquire knowledge in subjects like Mathematics, Science, and Languages. While these remain important, we must also ask whether the knowledge our learners gain is equipping them with the skills to adapt, to think critically, and to thrive in environments that are constantly changing.

Why Transferable Skills Matter

Transferable skills, sometimes called life skills or soft skills, are those abilities that can be applied in multiple contexts, whether at university, in the workplace, or in everyday life. Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, resilience, digital literacy, and critical thinking are all skills that transcend subject boundaries. They are what employers look for, what communities value, and what young people need to navigate life’s complexities.

In an age where artificial intelligence, automation, and global connectivity are reshaping the world of work, the content we teach today may not be directly relevant tomorrow. But the ability to learn, adapt, collaborate, and innovate will remain vital.

Zander Bergh (Grade 9) busy welding signage for our first Matric Dance.

The Namibian Context: Education and Unemployment

This conversation takes on particular urgency in Namibia. Recent data shows that while our working-age population has grown, employment has actually fallen, and youth unemployment remains alarmingly high. Too many young Namibians are leaving school without the skills to find meaningful work or to create opportunities for themselves.

I believe this crisis is directly linked to education. If schools focus only on content without equipping learners with transferable and vocational skills, we set them up to leave with certificates, but without the confidence, adaptability, or practical abilities required in the job market. This is why education must be more than academic - it must be life preparation.

The Case for Vocational Education

Alongside transferable skills, vocational education has a crucial role to play. Too often, vocational learning has been regarded as a “second choice” or “plan B.” But the reality is that vocational fields - mechanics, hospitality, cosmetology, tourism, agriculture, and care industries - are real sectors where real opportunities exist.

By introducing vocational pathways within schools, we are not lowering academic standards; we are broadening horizons. We are saying to learners: There are multiple ways to succeed, and your talents can be channelled into areas that are both practical and deeply needed in society.

Our Role as a School

At Roots Gymnasium, we are intentional about developing both transferable and vocational skills. Through Cambridge’s international curriculum, we emphasise critical thinking, research, and communication. Through our vocational subjects, whether in Agriculture, Integrated Skills, or outside of the classroom, we create opportunities for learners to gain hands-on experience that complements their academic learning.

Grade 7 learners Marli van der Merwe and Corneli Krügel busy with needlework during Integrated Skills, one of the unique subjects offered at Roots.

This dual emphasis sends an important message: Education is not only about passing exams; it is about preparing for life. Whether our learners go on to become doctors, farmers, entrepreneurs, engineers, caregivers, or artists, they should leave school equipped with the mindset and skills to contribute meaningfully to society.