The Future Pathways programme supports students in discovering their strengths, developing essential skills, and exploring their interests, while providing personalised guidance to confidently navigate applications and prepare for higher education in a rapidly changing world.
The Changing World of Work and the Importance of Career Guidance
As we step into a new decade, the world of work is on the brink of a massive transformation. According to the latest Future of Jobs report from the World Economic Forum, an astounding 170 million new jobs will be created this decade. This highlights the growing importance of career education and helping students find their path.
The question for educators is how students, still in school, can navigate this vast landscape of career pathways. Our Future Pathways programme at Ermitage International IB School provides personalised guidance to help students explore their interests, discover their strengths, and understand how these can translate into viable career options. By integrating career planning early, students gain clarity and confidence for future studies and career choices.
While discovering their interests and strengths, students are often advised to “follow their passion”. Yet, this guidance can feel daunting when they are still figuring out what that passion really is.
Future Pathways Advisers play a crucial role in guiding students, supporting them in turning their interests and strengths into actionable plans, linking International Baccalaureate subject choices and emerging skills to future career opportunities, so that every student’s educational journey is purposeful, confident, and future-ready.
Preparing Students for Future Challenges and Higher Education
In a rapidly evolving world, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for long-term success is essential. Through “Life Skills” classes and scheduled Future Pathways sessions, our curriculum fosters student-centered learning, critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience which are essential qualities for higher education and professional success.
A remarkable statistic from the Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights that by 2030, 85% of the jobs that today’s students will hold haven’t even been invented yet. This emphasises the need for a future-ready curriculum.
Ermitage International IB School’s four-year Future Pathways programme (IB MYP4 to DP2) helps students from age 14 to take ownership of their learning journeys, develop a growth mindset, and think outside the box.
Additionally, integrating technology enriches learning experiences and promotes digital literacy. Students create their own CVs and letters of motivation, showcasing academic, supercurricular, and extracurricular achievements. This personalised guidance ensures that each student’s unique personality and goals align with current trends and higher education expectations.
Building Community Connections and Real-World Experiences
Ermitage actively engages with the community to support our students’ Future Pathways education. Initiatives such as our Careers Insights Evening provide excellent opportunities for our students to research career options and engage in 1-to-1 discussions with industry professionals and the wider community.
We also prepare our students for an interconnected world through our annual Global University Fair, which hosts over 100 universities from around the world for Paris Area International Schools. This unique event provides invaluable exposure to international university applications and higher education opportunities, while fostering professional networking, global awareness, and crosscultural understanding.
Moreover, by emphasising critical skills such as communication and collaboration in authentic contexts, such as the MYP5 Work Experience week, our Future Pathways programme provides students with invaluable opportunities to explore the world of work, gain hands-on experience, and understand the professional world.
A Student-Centered Approach with Alumni Support
At Ermitage International School, we believe that ultimately, the goal of careers education is to instill a love for learning and a sense of curiosity. By involving students in the planning processes, the Future Pathways department aims to create a student-centered learning environment where young people are encouraged to reflect on their learning experiences as they move forward through high school and beyond.
Since 2011, when Ermitage International School welcomed its first International Baccalaureate graduating class, students have successfully joined top universities worldwide, including University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Sciences Po Paris, McGill, University of Toronto, Cornell, and NYU. By following the IB curriculum, our students gain a qualification recognised globally, opening doors to opportunities across every continent.
Our students also explore diverse paths in art, design, business, and science, attending institutions such as Beaux Arts de Paris, Bocconi, Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, and the Rotterdam School of Management, reflecting the global reach and versatility of our Future Pathways programme.
Our vibrant IB alumni community actively engages and participates in our events, such as our annual Global University Fair, and is working to collaborate with the school to create valuable mentoring opportunities for future generations. Through these efforts, our alumni not only share their experiences and insights but also inspire the next generation of leaders. Their dedication fosters connections that empower both current students and graduates, enhancing our school’s legacy of support and growth, whilst cultivating a spirit of collaboration and continuous learning that supports students as they navigate their academic and career paths.
Guiding Students Toward Success
As we face an uncertain future filled with opportunities, personalised guidance through Future Pathways and careers guidance is essential for students. By embracing a future-ready curriculum, our objective is to shape confident, capable, and adaptable young adults and empower them to navigate their own paths to success, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The world is changing rapidly, and with the right tools and support, we are convinced that students can not only keep up but also embrace and thrive in it.
Biography: Rachel Quandalle is the Head of Future Pathways at Ermitage International IB School. With a dynamic 30-year career encompassing teaching in the IB and leading initiatives in student welfare and careers guidance, she provides expert careers advice, ensuring students successfully transition to higher education. Rachel is committed to fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment through collaboration, and she balances her professional dedication with personal interests in travel, sport, and craftwork.
Ermitage International IB School welcomes students aged 6-18, for our International Primary Programme, IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The school is based in the small, leafy town of Maisons–Laffitte, just twenty minutes from the centre of Paris.
Save the Date! Our next online Open House will take place on 15 November 2025. Registration will open soon – check our website for updates!
