Jade Bowler, bestselling author and social media superstar, on the future of learning and inspiring her 1m followers
“Parents have a really difficult role because they’re not going to be experts in guiding their children into careers that don’t event exist yet.”
Our next guest on Heads & Tales shakes up everything you previously knew about leading figures in education. With over 1m followers across her platforms, Jade Bowler – or UnJaded Jade to her audience – has built a global community around the culture of study, wellbeing and what she's coined as "casual magic". To boot, she is also the author of the bestselling book 'The Only Study Guide You'll Ever Need'; a revision bible for those in the throes of school exams. In a brilliant conversation with Walter Kerr, Jade reflects on her path from the archetypal straight-A student to now one of the most influential voices supporting the next generation of learners and workforce.
Jade was at the forefront of the 'StudyTube' movement: a corner of the internet that turned revision into a bonafide global youth culture. She discusses how that unexpected limelight shaped her both as a learner and a influencer, and how an unconventional degree from Minerva University (see our previous episode with founder Ben Nelson) opened her eyes to what what genuinely student-centred education can look like. With her trademark candour and go-getter attitude, Jade makes a rallying cry for schools to engage with Gen Z in a different way (authenticity not authority) and support with the challenge of today: the sense that students are preparing for a future that no one can quite define.
🎙️Episode highlights
Jade dives into the science behind her renowned revision techniques: active recall, spaced repetition and "blurting", courtesy of her A level biology teacher.
What Minerva taught her about global education, critical thinking and flipping the traditional classroom model on its head.
Why authenticity always trumps authority for Gen Z and how school leaders can and should apply that now.
She discusses her revolutionising 10-day silent retreat and suggests it could be a rite of passage for students...
She leaves offering practical advice for parents of 16-year-olds navigating stress, uncertainty and non-existent career paths.