Students and teachers explore NEB values through the RE:Think Your Profession Challenge
The TEACH project supports teachers and students aged 13–18 in exploring the values of the New European Bauhaus through Challenge-Based Learning. At the centre of this journey is the RE:Think Your Profession Challenge, launched across Europe in September 2025.
In Portugal, three classes from the Escola Profissional de Paços de Brandão, in Santa Maria da Feira (Aveiro), are taking part: one Tourism class, one Massage class and one Health class. The diversity of these fields has made it possible to explore the evolution of professions from multiple perspectives.
As students progress through the Engage, Investigate and Act phases, they examine how professions are evolving, what skills future citizens will need and how work can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable society. The experience of these three Portuguese classes illustrates this process vividly.
Early in the challenge, students began questioning how professional roles respond to environmental pressures, digital transformation and shifting social expectations.
One student shared:
“I always thought sustainability belonged to engineers and scientists. Suddenly I realised it’s part of every job — mine too.”
From there, the three classes explored tourism as a concrete case, both because of the direct connection with the Tourism class and due to the growing relevance of this sector for professions linked to well-being and health. Guided by their Teamchers, they examined how tourism can enrich a territory while respecting ecological limits, cultural identity and accessibility. As one teacher observed: “They were no longer completing an assignment. They were trying to understand a reality — and their place in it.”
Students proposed early ideas on respectful visitor routes, accessible heritage experience and digital tools for slower, more sustainable tourism. These were initial steps — concepts shaped by observation, dialogue and a growing awareness shared across the three vocational areas.
What stands out is the shift in perspective: students begin to see themselves as active citizens capable of interpreting their environment and contributing to change.
The Act phase will bring new prototypes, new insights and new questions. We will continue sharing perspectives from Portugal and from other schools across Europe as the challenge evolves.
Call to Action
Follow the NEB Challenge stories: https://teachnext.eu/neb-challenge-en/.
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