Learning Continuum of Ethical Understanding (Version 8.4)

This element involves students developing an understanding of ethical concepts and issues.

Students learn to recognise ethical concepts and explore ethical issues in context. They identify, examine and give examples of ethical concepts. They discuss, analyse and explore dimensions of ethical concepts in context. In developing and acting with ethical understanding, students:

  • recognise ethical concepts
  • explore ethical concepts in context.

Level 5

Typically by the end of Year 8, students:

Recognise ethical concepts

analyse behaviours that exemplify the dimensions and challenges of ethical concepts

Explore ethical concepts in context

analyse the ethical dimensions of beliefs and the need for action in a range of settings

Level 6

Typically by the end of Year 10, students:

Recognise ethical concepts

critique generalised statements about ethical concepts

Explore ethical concepts in context

distinguish between the ethical and non-ethical dimensions of complex issues

This element involves students reasoning when making decisions and acting ethically.

Students consider the consequences of and reflect on ethical action. They analyse the reasoning behind stances when making ethical decisions and evaluate the intended and unintended consequences of actions in an increasing range of scenarios. Students articulate understandings of a range of ethical responses in social contexts. In developing and acting with ethical understanding, students:

  • reason and make ethical decisions
  • consider consequences
  • reflect on ethical action.

Level 5

Typically by the end of Year 8, students:

Reason and make ethical decisions

analyse inconsistencies in personal reasoning and societal ethical decision making

Consider consequences

investigate scenarios that highlight ways that personal dispositions and actions can affect consequences

Reflect on ethical action

analyse perceptions of occurrences and possible ethical response in challenging scenarios

Level 6

Typically by the end of Year 10, students:

Reason and make ethical decisions

investigate reasons for clashes of beliefs in issues of personal, social and global importance

Consider consequences

analyse the objectivity or subjectivity behind decision making where there are many possible consequences

Reflect on ethical action

evaluate diverse perceptions and ethical bases of action in complex contexts