A new course focused on developing an entrepreneurial mindset is being piloted in schools worldwide, aiming to equip students with skills that remain valuable throughout their lives. The program, a partnership between Cambridge and IE University, integrates entrepreneurship into the Cambridge International A Level pathway.
A New Approach to Education
The course is designed to bridge the gap between secondary and higher education. It teaches skills like confidence, resilience, adaptability, and independent thinking. These abilities help students thrive in an uncertain world and create solutions to real challenges.
The program is being tested by eight schools in China, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, New Zealand, Czechia, and Poland. Teacher training for the pilot began at IE University in Madrid. Educators who participated expressed strong support for the course.
Teacher and Student Benefits
Kate Hawthorn, from Pinehurst School in New Zealand, said she felt “exceptionally well prepared” to deliver the course. She believes it will help students develop the necessary skills for the future. Manmeet Kaur, from HELP International School in Malaysia, noted the course came at the right time. She had been running a similar program and was exploring ways to assess student learning.
Students who successfully complete the pilot will receive a certificate at Pass, Merit, or Distinction. The certification is jointly awarded by Cambridge and IE University, serving as evidence of their readiness for higher education.
The partners will work closely with the pilot schools to refine the final award based on their feedback. The course is expected to be available to more schools next year before becoming part of Cambridge’s Advanced programme.
Entrepreneurial Mindset as a Lifelong Skill
The entrepreneurial mindset is a human-centric ability that remains valuable through higher education and across different jobs. It does not become outdated and will last a lifetime, according to Miguel Costa, Dean of Admissions & Outreach at IE University.
Future Skills and Pathways
The entrepreneurial mindset course is one of several new initiatives from Cambridge aimed at preparing students for the future. The organization plans to introduce more courses focused on future-ready skills and is relaunching the Cambridge IPQ from 2028.
