A Queensland high school principal says Australia's focus on standardised testing is leaving students at risk of being unprepared for the changing needs of a digital world.
St Paul's School principal Paul Browning believes students must develop creativity and entrepreneurial skills from an early age to ensure they are ready for the future demands of a new economy.
"Western economies are going through a hollowing-out process of middle-class jobs," Dr Browning said.
"These jobs are being automated or off-shored at an increasing rate. The emerging jobs require high levels of creativity and an entrepreneurial capacity."
Dr Browning says the basics of education, such as reading and writing, remain vital but a current "fixation" on standardised testing as the barometer of success was misplaced.
"The truth is, it's possible to foster creativity within the current curriculum," he said.
"You can do this by releasing the pressure created by standardised testing and providing professional development for teachers to help them nurture and grow a person's natural creative abilities."
In November, the federal government announced an inquiry into Australia's tertiary system with the aim of ensuring it can meet the needs of a future labour force focused on innovation and creativity.
Dr Browning says the inquiry is a good idea but its terms of reference are too narrow.
"Increasing amounts of research indicate a capability gap between the skills and mindsets of students emerging from our schools today, compared to those they will need to perform the jobs of tomorrow," he said.
"It is imperative that we begin to regard creativity and entrepreneurial skills as part of what counts in education today. For this reason, we believe the terms of reference for this inquiry should be expanded to include primary and secondary schools."
