This element involves students developing the capacity to process or reflect on the meaning of experience as an essential element in intercultural learning.
Students use reflection to better understand the actions of individuals and groups in specific situations and how these are shaped by culture. They are encouraged to reflect on their own behaviours and responses to intercultural encounters and to identify cultural influences that may have contributed to these. Students learn to ‘stand between cultures’, reconcile differing cultural values and perspectives and take responsibility for their own behaviours and their interactions with others within and across cultures. In developing and acting with intercultural understanding, students:
- reflect on intercultural experiences
- challenge stereotypes and prejudices
- mediate cultural difference.
Level 4
Typically by the end of Year 6, students:
Reflect on intercultural experiences
explain what and how they have learnt from a wide range of intercultural interactions and experiences
Challenge stereotypes and prejudices
explain the impact of stereotypes and prejudices on individuals and groups within Australia
Mediate cultural difference
discuss ways of reconciling differing cultural values and perspectives in addressing common concerns
Level 5
Typically by the end of Year 8, students:
Reflect on intercultural experiences
reflect critically on the representation of various cultural groups in texts and the media and how they respond
Challenge stereotypes and prejudices
identify and challenge stereotypes and prejudices in the representation of group, national and regional identities
Mediate cultural difference
identify and address challenging issues in ways that respect cultural diversity and the right of all to be heard
Level 6
Typically by the end of Year 10, students:
Reflect on intercultural experiences
reflect critically on the effect of intercultural experiences on their own attitudes and beliefs and those of others
Challenge stereotypes and prejudices
critique the use of stereotypes and prejudices in texts and issues concerning specific cultural groups at national, regional and global levels
Mediate cultural difference
recognise the challenges and benefits of living and working in a culturally diverse society and the role that cultural mediation plays in learning to live together