Today, we're exploring the skills that prepare learners for life. These are abilities that go far beyond the classroom, such as critical thinking, resilience, collaboration, independence, and empathy.

We'll be focusing on two brilliant initiatives that nurture these skills: Cambridge Global Perspectives and the Junior Duke Award. Together, they're equipping learners around the world with the confidence and capability to succeed in school, at home, and in the wider world.

Your host for this episode is Paul Ellis, Head of Thought Leadership at Cambridge. He is joined by Rebecca Watkins-Wright, Curriculum Development Manager for Cambridge Global Perspectives, and Dawn Waugh, a former teacher and the founder of the Junior Duke Award.

Show notes:

Cambridge Global Perspectives: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-global-perspectives/

Junior Duke Award: https://juniorduke.com/

Preparing learners to thrive in a changing world report: https://cambridge.foleon.com/cambridge-international-education/future-ready-learners/

Video pod and transcript: https://www.cambridge.org/education/blog/brighter-thinking-pod-preparing-students-global-perspectives-junior-duke-award

Today, we're going to be talking about digital literacy, taking a closer look at our updated Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary Digital Literacy curriculum. Specifically, we'll be asking the question: how do we help young learners thrive in a world shaped by AI without losing their curiosity, agency, or authentic voice?

Your host for this episode is Cambridge Education Futures Manager, Laura Kahwati. She is joined by two special guests: Beverly Clarke, author of Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary Digital Literacy, and Nadja Djordjevic, a Digital Literacy Teacher at Savremena osnovna škola in Belgrade, Serbia.

Show notes:

Cambridge Primary Digital Literacy - https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-primary/curriculum/digital-literacy/

Cambridge Lower Secondary Digital Literacy - https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-lower-secondary/curriculum/digital-literacy/

Today, we're discussing knowledge and skills in preparing students for the future – which is more important? Can they be separated? And do we still need subject knowledge in the age of AI?

Your host for this episode is Education Futures Manager, Laura Kahwati. She is joined by Abbi Barnett, Director of Cambridge 3–19 Curriculum, and Irenka Suto, Head of Secondary Curriculum.

Show notes:

Preparing learners to thrive in a changing world report: https://cambridge.foleon.com/cambridge-international-education/future-ready-learners/

Brighter Thinking Pod episode 53: Preparing learners to thrive in a changing world: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2IbUaD80-Y&list=PLi4xGU_d7k_KkGCe3ZD5pOr59F-DIWHBn&index=3

Brighter Thinking Pod episode 54: Do students feel prepared for the future? https://www.cambridge.org/education/blog/2026/01/23/brighter-thinking-pod-ep-54-do-students-feel-prepared-for-the-future/