Our approach helps students develop a broad range of skills and dispositions outlined by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority in the Victorian Curriculum.

Specifically, it develops the following capacities:

CRITICAL AND CREATIVE THINKING

Inquiring into questions and possibilities

• foster a curious and speculative disposition
• ask pertinent questions to explore, clarify and elaborate on complex ideas
• generate multiple options, problem definitions and solutions
• speculate about possibilities
• explore issues from multiple perspectives
• seek imaginative alternatives
• think creatively about contentious, ambiguous, novel and complex ideas
• communicate ideas clearly, precisely and in a coherent and logical order
• engage in sustained peer discussion, building on the ideas of others

Reasoning

• synthesise complex information
• critically analyse and evaluate (sometimes contradictory) information
• develop reasoned arguments using supporting evidence
• consider the validity of arguments
• challenge assumptions
• consider the possible justifications for alternative interpretations and points of view
• distinguish between fact and opinion
• discriminate among sources
• seek relevance
• reflect, deliberate and make informed judgments and decisions

Meta-cognition

• articulate, reflect on, and refine thinking processes
• become aware of how understanding has developed
• evaluate the effectiveness of thinking strategies and modify them appropriately
• develop skills and learning dispositions that support logical, strategic, flexible and adventurous thinking

ETHICAL CAPABILITY

Understanding ethical concepts

• analyse and evaluate ethical issues, recognising areas of contestibility
• explore the contested meanings of ethical concepts and values such as right and wrong, good and bad, consequence, obligation, harm, freedom, justice, rights, responsibilities, etc.
• investigate the connections among, and distinctions between, and relative value of related concepts such as fairness and equality, and respect and tolerance
• identify the bases of ethical principles and ethical reasoning, and the assumptions and implications of different ethical positions
• distinguish between ethical and non-ethical dimensions of complex issues
• investigate criteria for determining the relative importance of matters of ethical concern
• cultivate open-mindedness and reasonableness

Developing skills for decision-making and action

• engage in informed deliberation on ethical issues
• discuss how ethical principles can be used as the basis for action, considering the influence of cultural norms, religion, world views and philosophical thought on these principles
• investigate why ethical principles may differ between people and groups
• explore the type of acts often considered right and those often considered wrong and the reasons why they are considered so
• explore how apparently wrong actions can sometimes lead to good outcomes and vice versa
• explore the significance of ‘means versus ends’
• discuss the role of personal values and dispositions in ethical decision-making and action
• discuss the role and significance of conscience and reasoning in ethical decision-making
• explore the values, beliefs and principles underlying ethical judgments and actions

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