Learning Continuum of Critical and Creative Thinking (Version 8.4)

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This element involves students analysing, synthesising and evaluating the reasoning and procedures used to find solutions, evaluate and justify results or inform courses of action.

Students identify, consider and assess the logic and reasoning behind choices. They differentiate components of decisions made and actions taken and assess ideas, methods and outcomes against criteria. In developing and acting with critical and creative thinking, students:

  • apply logic and reasoning
  • draw conclusions and design a course of action
  • evaluate procedures and outcomes.

Level 4

Typically by the end of Year 6, students:

Apply logic and reasoning

assess whether there is adequate reasoning and evidence to justify a claim, conclusion or outcome

Draw conclusions and design a course of action

scrutinise ideas or concepts, test conclusions and modify actions when designing a course of action

Evaluate procedures and outcomes

evaluate the effectiveness of ideas, products, performances, methods and courses of action against given criteria

Level 5

Typically by the end of Year 8, students:

Apply logic and reasoning

identify gaps in reasoning and missing elements in information

Draw conclusions and design a course of action

differentiate the components of a designed course of action and tolerate ambiguities when drawing conclusions

Evaluate procedures and outcomes

explain intentions and justify ideas, methods and courses of action, and account for expected and unexpected outcomes against criteria they have identified

Level 6

Typically by the end of Year 10, students:

Apply logic and reasoning

analyse reasoning used in finding and applying solutions, and in choice of resources

Draw conclusions and design a course of action

use logical and abstract thinking to analyse and synthesise complex information to inform a course of action

Evaluate procedures and outcomes

evaluate the effectiveness of ideas, products and performances and implement courses of action to achieve desired outcomes against criteria they have identified