Learner Ambitions Framework

Transforming Skills-Based Assessment

Nord Anglia Education

Empowering future-ready learners - a scalable approach to skills-based assessment

Image Linked to Article: Building Better Thinkers - Explore Nord Anglia's Research

Skills Demonstrated

Assessment Design & Curriculum Development
- Developed a scalable skills-based assessment framework aligned with global education standards.
Research-Based Instructional Strategy
- Integrated reflective and metacognitive approaches to deepen student learning.
Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Collaborated with curriculum specialists, educators, and leadership to implement the framework.
Scalable Learning Solutions
- Designed an adaptive assessment model applicable across schools, universities, and corporate learning environments.

Overview

Problem

Problem:

Measuring Critical Real-World Skills

Traditional assessments focus on content knowledge but often overlook essential 21st-century skills like critical thinking, adaptability, and collaboration—key for student success beyond the classroom. Nord Anglia Education sought to develop a scalable, skills-based assessment framework to ensure students were equipped with the skills required for success beyond traditional academics.

Solution

Solution:

Developing & Implementing the Learner Ambitions Framework

Led the Initial Pilot (PALA – Assessing the Whole Musician) (2014-2015)
- Designed and implemented the Performing Arts Learner Ambitions (PALA) pilot in collaboration with Juilliard curriculum specialists and a global team of music teachers. This research-based framework assessed Ways of Being, Ways of Doing, and Ways of Thinking in musicianship, highlighting expression, creativity, and collaboration—skills often overlooked in traditional assessment models.
Led Global Expansion of the Learner Ambitions Framework (LAF) (2022-Present)
- Spearheaded the refinement and global rollout of the LAF, working with senior leadership and teachers to ensure scalability across subjects and diverse educational contexts.
Trained Educators in PALA & LAF (2014-2024)
- Led live and asynchronous professional learning for educators, including in-person training at Juilliard (2014-2018) on PALA implementation and self-paced courses for the global rollout of the Learner Ambitions Framework (2021-2024), ensuring widespread adoption across Nord Anglia Education.
Integrated Reflective & Metacognitive Strategies (2022-Present)
- Ensured assessments encouraged student self-reflection and agency, contributing to long-term skills development.

Impact

Impact & Measurable Outcomes

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In Action - See the Impact Firsthand

Curious about how schools worldwide are implementing the Learner Ambitions Framework?

Explore articles from Nord Anglia and some of the schools showcasing the research findings to date, real-world applications, student success stories, and educator insights on integrating skills-based assessment into teaching and learning.

— Collaboration with Project Zero (Nord Anglia Education)

— Building Better Thinkers - Download the Research

— Helping Kids Become Superlearners (The British School of Beijing, Shunyi)

— Launching Metacognition Learner Ambitions (British International School of Chicago, South Loop)

Next Steps

Continued Growth & Application

Nord Anglia Education continues to refine and expand the Learner Ambitions Framework (LAF) to ensure its relevance in a rapidly evolving educational landscape. By integrating cutting-edge research, digital innovation, and real-world applications, the framework is shaping the future of skills-based assessment.

Deepening Research & Evidence-Based Practice
- Ongoing collaboration with Boston College is assessing the impact of metacognitive strategies across 27 schools worldwide, with findings expected in 2025.
Scaling & Global Implementation
- The framework continues to be embedded in multiple subjects and school curricula, ensuring its adaptability to diverse educational contexts.
Enhancing Digital Learning Tools
- The Learner Portfolio, an online platform for student reflection and goal-setting, has been introduced to support self-awareness, personal growth, and metacognitive development.
Expanding Professional Development
- Educators worldwide are being equipped with the tools to implement thinking routines, developed in partnership with Harvard Project Zero, fostering critical thinking and deeper cognitive engagement in students.

As the education sector continues to evolve, the Learner Ambitions Framework stands as a model for future-focused assessment, bridging the gap between traditional academics and 21st-century skills development.

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