Learning Continuum of Intercultural Understanding (Version 8.4)

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This element involves students identifying, observing, describing and analysing increasingly sophisticated characteristics of their own cultural identities and those of others.

Students move from their known worlds to explore new ideas and experiences related to specific cultural groups through opportunities provided in the learning areas. They compare their own knowledge and experiences with those of others, learning to recognise commonalities, acknowledging differences between their lives and recognising the need to engage in critical reflection about such differences, seeking to understand them. Students recognise and appreciate differences between people and respect another person’s point of view and their human rights. In developing and acting with intercultural understanding, students:

  • investigate culture and cultural identity
  • explore and compare cultural knowledge, beliefs and practices
  • develop respect for cultural diversity.

Level 4

Typically by the end of Year 6, students:

Investigate culture and cultural identity

identify and describe the roles that culture and language play in shaping group and national identities

Explore and compare cultural knowledge beliefs and practices

describe and compare the knowledge, beliefs and practices of various cultural groups in relation to a specific time, event or custom

Develop respect for cultural diversity

discuss opportunities that cultural diversity offers within Australia and the Asia-Pacific region

Level 5

Typically by the end of Year 8, students:

Investigate culture and cultural identity

explain ways that cultural groups and identities change over time and in different contexts

Explore and compare cultural knowledge beliefs and practices

analyse the dynamic nature of cultural knowledge, beliefs and practices in a range of personal, social and historical contexts

Develop respect for cultural diversity

understand the importance of maintaining and celebrating cultural traditions for the development of personal, group and national identities

Level 6

Typically by the end of Year 10, students:

Investigate culture and cultural identity

analyse how membership of local, regional, national and international groups shapes identities including their own

Explore and compare cultural knowledge beliefs and practices

critically analyse the complex and dynamic nature of knowledge, beliefs and practices in a wide range of contexts over time

Develop respect for cultural diversity

understand the importance of mutual respect in promoting cultural exchange and collaboration in an interconnected world