Future Skills/Jobs
What is self-determination and why is it important when preparing for future challenges?
It’s the ability to make your own choices and manage your life. It’s important because it helps people take control, stay motivated, and make positive decisions about their future.
What is one example of a major change that can affect relationships during adolescence?
Changing schools, new friendships, puberty, starting a job, or family separation.
Define “sense of identity” in your own words.
How you see yourself — your values, beliefs, personality, and sense of belonging.
What is self-talk?
The inner voice or thoughts we have about ourselves — can be positive or negative.
What does “self-determination” mean?
Taking control of your own choices and actions; believing you can influence outcomes.
Name two skills that most employers look for, no matter what the job is.
Examples include teamwork, communication, problem-solving, adaptability, time management, and reliability.
True or False — All changes in relationships are negative. Explain your answer.
False. Some changes (like new friendships or independence) can be positive and help people grow.
List one way that a strong sense of identity can support good mental health.
support good mental health. It boosts self-esteem, helps make positive choices, and reduces pressure to conform.
Turn this negative thought into a positive one: “I’m terrible at sport; I’ll never improve.”
“I can improve if I keep practising.” or “Everyone starts somewhere — I’ll get better with time.”
True or False — Challenges are always negative experiences. Why or why not?
False. They can teach valuable skills and build resilience
Personal qualities: calm under pressure, good communicator, quick thinker
Interests: helping others, science, working in a team
💡 Which job best matches this description?
Paramedic or nurse
Describe how a friendship breakdown might affect someone’s emotional wellbeing.
emotional wellbeing.It could cause sadness, loneliness, stress, or loss of confidence — but it can also build resilience.
How can changing your beliefs or values over time be both positive and challenging?
Positive: shows growth and maturity. Challenging: can create conflict with friends, family, or cultural norms.
How does positive self-talk affect performance or motivation?
It builds confidence, reduces stress, and helps people persist when faced with challenges.
You’re asked to re-do an assignment. How could this be both a challenge and an opportunity?
Challenge: more work. Opportunity: chance to improve and learn from feedback.
You are applying for a job that requires creativity, attention to detail, and strong computer skills.
Which of the following personal interests would help you most in this role?
A) Playing team sports
B) Designing digital posters and editing videos
C) Volunteering at a local café
D) Reading mystery novels
B) Designing digital posters and editing videos
Imagine your friend changes schools. What are two positive ways you could maintain your relationship?
Stay in touch through social media or texts, plan meetups, support each other through change.
“Being yourself” can mean different things in different cultures or groups. Explain why.
Each culture defines identity differently — some value individuality, others community. Identity changes based on social expectations.
You failed an exam. Write one negative and one positive way to respond — and explain how each might impact your wellbeing.
Negative: “I’m dumb, I’ll never pass” → lowers self-esteem. Positive: “I can study differently next time” → motivates learning and growth.
Think of a time when you faced a challenge. What personal strengths helped you overcome it?
Answers vary — e.g., perseverance, problem-solving, asking for help, optimism.
Personal qualities: organised, analytical, good with numbers, enjoys solving problems
Interests: working independently, planning budgets, keeping records accurate
💡 Guess the job!
Possible job: Accountant, financial planner, data analyst.
“You’ve noticed your friend wearing a ‘mask’—acting differently around others.” Using ideas from the short film Allegory of the Cave, explain how this could represent changes in identity or self-expression.
The “mask” shows how people hide their true selves to fit in. Like the film, it represents people trapped by social expectations — they may only “see” what others expect them to be until they find confidence to be themselves.
How can resilience and discipline influence your health or decision making?
“Resilience” — helps me bounce back from challenges;
“Discipline” — supports healthy habits.
You’re mentoring a younger student who struggles with self-doubt. What three things could they do to help them reframe their thinking.
Example: 1️⃣ Identify negative thought. 2️⃣ Replace with positive version. 3️⃣ Celebrate small achievements to build confidence.
A friend fails their driving test and wants to give up. How could you use empathy and problem-solving to support them?
Acknowledge their feelings, remind them many people fail first, suggest more practice, offer to help them study or drive together.