Core Project at Futures Institute is a dynamic, project-based learning initiative that empowers students with essential 21st-century skills. Through hands-on projects in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), students engage in real-world problem-solving, collaboration and critical thinking. By working with industry partners, they gain practical experience, preparing them for future careers. From sustainability challenges to engineering innovations, Core Project fosters creativity, resilience and communication – key attributes for success in education and beyond.
Project-Based Learning at Our School: Developing Power Skills for the Future
Project Based Learning (PBL) is a teaching method where students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects. Rather than passively absorbing information, our students become problem-solvers, collaborators, and critical thinkers as they explore complex questions and challenges over an extended period of time.
Through PBL, students develop not only academic knowledge but also essential Power Skills – the abilities that research shows are critical for success in today’s workforce. These Power Skills, often referred to as “soft skills,” are increasingly in demand by employers and are crucial for success in any career or life path. Our project-based approach intentionally cultivates these skills in an authentic and meaningful way.
Key Power Skills we focus on include:
- Communicate effectively: Whether through presentations, written reports, or digital media, students learn to clearly articulate their ideas and convey complex information to diverse audiences.
- Collaboration: Students work together to achieve common goals, learning how to communicate effectively, share responsibilities, and leverage each other’s strengths.
- Character (Learning to Deep Learn): Projects often require students to deal with setbacks and pivot when things don’t go as planned, helping them develop a growth mindset and the ability to thrive in uncertain environments.
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Projects require students to think deeply, evaluate information, and come up with innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
- Creativity: Students are encouraged to think outside the box, approach challenges from different angles, and develop original solutions.
Our commitment to PBL ensures that students are not just learning facts and figures—they’re gaining the experience, confidence, and skills that will prepare them for life beyond the classroom. By the time they leave, our students will have a portfolio of meaningful projects that showcase their abilities and reflect the depth of their learning, along with the Power Skills that will make them standout candidates in any career they choose to pursue.
Core Project and HPQ at Futures Institute Banbury
At Futures Institute, Core Project is a key part of the No Limits curriculum, designed to inspire students to become innovative problem-solvers and effective communicators. Through project-based learning, students engage in real-world challenges across science, technology, engineering, and maths, working collaboratively to develop creative solutions. This hands-on approach not only builds academic knowledge but also enhances vital 21st-century employability skills. By collaborating with businesses and industry partners, students gain valuable experience and insights into professional practices, equipping them for future careers.
Year 9 goals
In Year 9, students take on a range of creative and sustainability-focused projects. They begin by exploring design and innovation through the V&A Innovate challenge, considering how design can transform the world and create a sense of belonging. Later, they participate in Junk Kouture, where they design and construct wearable fashion from recycled materials, encouraging sustainable thinking and creativity. Other projects include a topic on Flight, where students work with the RAF to design and test aeronautical prototypes, and also a unit exploring Architecture, where they plan how to rebuild a school after a disaster, integrating UN sustainability goals.
Year 10 – developing power skills
Building on their Year 9 experiences, Year 10 students delve deeper into industry-linked projects. They start with The Game, where they design and manufacture a board game based on a chosen industry, developing skills in project management and product design. In the Animation Project, students explore traditional and digital animation techniques while working towards a Bronze CREST Award, which strengthens their academic portfolios. Later, students take on Space Careers, drafting CVs for fictional NASA roles on Mars, before engaging in sustainable food production, where they design self-sufficient plant containers like vertical gardens, linking their work to real-world agricultural challenges. Additional projects include Naval Engineering, where students analyse the evolution of ship design, and Transport, focusing on the F1 industry in collaboration with Haas and ProDrive. These experiences allow students to develop key power skills, including creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, while preparing them for future employment opportunities.
Year 11 critical thinking and communication skills
As part of Core Project, students also have the opportunity to complete the Higher Project Qualification (HPQ), a nationally recognised Level 2 qualification equivalent to a GCSE. This guided independent research project allows students to explore an area of personal interest, conduct in-depth research, create products, and present their findings. With structured support from teachers, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that set them apart in higher education and the workplace. By the end of Year 11, their project is assessed, contributing to their academic portfolio.
At Futures Institute, we’re proud to prepare our students for the future, equipped with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.