How do schools navigate this era of ‘past forward’?

Recent insights from our friends at Nature uncovers a series of emerging and evolving truths and tensions shaping culture in Australia today. These are the gaps between what people say they value, and how they actually behave.

One with particular relevance to schools is “We’re obsessed about the future yet can’t stop living in the past.”

In a survey of 1,000 Australians;

• 64% agree, ‘I often find myself nostalgic and reflecting on how things used to be in the past’
• 57% agree ‘I am worried about what AI means for my future’

This presents both challenges and opportunities for educators and executives tasked with guiding established Independent schools into the next decade.

The future has likely never been so uncertain, or the world so chaotic, and breakthroughs like AI leave many questioning long-held ideas of place, work and value.

For educators, the challenge grows as we work to equip students with a 21^st-century education that combines academic excellence with the skills and abilities needed to thrive in the world of tomorrow. This involves developing transferable competencies across various careers, delivered in a flexible and personalised way.

Not an “either-or” situation

For schools with a heritage story, the challenge is to balance the best of the past while remaining relevant where it counts. This isn’t an ‘‘either-or’’ situation; it’s both.

Navigating an organisation and brand positioning with a strong heritage presents a unique set of challenges that stem from the very history that is its greatest asset and, sometimes, its greatest weakness. The core tension lies in balancing authenticity with relevance. Poorly managed, this can become a liability, making the brand appear out of touch and socially misplaced.

A brand’s history is not always perfect. The challenge is to manage this history honestly and transparently, distinguishing between history and heritage, which stem from the authentic, enduring values and the strategy and programs that will shape its future—building a compelling brand story and executing it with contemporary relevance.

Bringing it to life through ideas, language, and collective behaviours across the various touchpoints schools utilise is a critically essential and collaborative process with stakeholders. Anchoring the past, to secure the future.

Secure your school’s legacy and future. Over the past few years, Emmet have helped schools balance long-established values and traditions with modernity, innovation and thought leadership. Contact the team today.

Relevant case studies:

• Integrating brand heritage and innovation
• Searching for a Brand truth – Mentone Girls’ Grammar
• Systemising Innovation in Tertiary Education.

Request access to Nature’s Truths and Tensions report clicking here