Our approach helps students develop a broad range of skills and dispositions outlined in the Australian 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
Metacognition
- 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
