Skills Builder Global

This content was written by

Imam Al Jawad High School

Context

Al-Imam Al-Jawad and Al-Imam Al-Kathem Secondary Schools are located in Al-Nahri. Together, they serve 4260 learners aged 3-18 years from kindergarten up to secondary level. The teaching team consists of 270 educators committed to fostering both academic achievement and personal growth. Our schools emphasize holistic learning and strive to develop well-rounded individuals. Essential skill development has become an integral part of our educational vision, ensuring that students are prepared for future challenges both in school and beyond.

Overall impact

Our journey with the Skills Builder programme began with whole-school training sessions for all staff. Educators across all levels engaged with the framework and immediately began integrating the eight essential skills into classroom practice. The Accelerator program had a significant impact: it provided structure, clarity, and confidence for teachers, and empowered students to apply skills in real-world scenarios. The resources and training enhanced lesson planning and classroom culture. We introduced skills-focused reﬂection, posters, and project-based learning, ensuring all learners engaged meaningfully. Parent communication and staff collaboration further strengthened the programme’s reach and impact.

Keep it simple

We embedded the principle of simplicity by using a unified language for essential skills across all levels. Classrooms displayed skill posters, and planners included skill objectives. Teachers were encouraged to use skill terms consistently in lessons and feedback. Students gradually learned to identify and articulate the skills they were practicing, both verbally and in writing. This clarity made it easier for learners to track their growth and take ownership of their development. Simplicity in communication ensured that skills were accessible and meaningful to everyone, regardless of age or subject.

Start early, keep going

Differentiated approaches to suit each age group: early learners focused on basic behaviors like listening and sharing through play and songs, while older students developed higher-level skills through projects, presentations, and team challenges. We used a skills progression plan to build continuity across grade levels. By starting early and maintaining consistent exposure, learners built confidence and gradually developed mastery of essential skills throughout their school years.

Measure it

Assessment was central to our planning and teaching. We used the Skills Builder Hub, along with teacher checklists, observation notes, and student self-assessments, to measure progress. Teachers adjusted lessons based on these insights, setting skill-specific goals for individuals and groups. Assessment also informed our feedback practices, allowing for more targeted support. Measuring skills made development visible, fostered accountability, and helped both students and staff focus on growth over time.

Focus tightly

We tailored skill development based on learner needs. Teachers used ﬂexible grouping and differentiated tasks to help all students access the same skill at an appropriate level of challenge. For example, creativity tasks varied from simple art-based activities in early grades to complex innovation projects in secondary. Ongoing assessment supported this differentiation, ensuring that instruction remained focused and effective. By narrowing the focus and adapting delivery, we ensured depth of learning rather than surface coverage.

Keep practising

Essential skills were embedded across the curriculum. In science, students developed problem-solving and teamwork during group experiments. In languages, they practiced speaking and listening through structured dialogues and debates. Art, sports, and drama classes offered further opportunities for communication, creativity, and staying positive. Teachers encouraged students to reﬂect regularly on the skills they used, helping them transfer learning from one subject to another. Practice was ongoing and purposeful, reinforcing the message that essential skills are useful every day.

Bring it to life

We extended skill development beyond the classroom through real-life applications. Students participated in school-wide campaigns, community outreach projects, and leadership roles that required collaboration, problem-solving, and responsibility. We involved families by sharing updates on skill progress and inviting parents to participate in events. Local professionals and guests were brought in to show how these skills are used in various careers. By connecting school experiences to the wider world, students saw the relevance of what they were learning and developed motivation to grow.

What's next

Looking ahead, we aim to deepen our use of the Skills Builder Universal Framework 2.0 across all grade levels. We will continue training staff, expand student self-assessment, and integrate essential skills more deeply into subject planning and school culture. We plan to use data from the Skills Builder Hub more consistently to track student progress. Additionally, we want to build stronger partnerships with parents and the community to make skill development a shared responsibility. Our vision is for every student to graduate with the confidence, mindset, and practical skills needed to thrive in life beyond school.

Lebanon