Understanding the ACARA General Capabilities: A Guide for Students
In today’s rapidly changing world, it’s important that students not only gain subject-specific knowledge but also develop essential skills that will help them thrive in school, work, and life. That’s where the ACARA General Capabilities come in.
They are a set of key skills and knowledge areas outlined in the Australian Curriculum. They focus on providing students with the intellectual, personal, and social abilities needed to actively engage in the modern world. These capabilities are embedded throughout all learning areas, ensuring that students are well-rounded and prepared for life beyond the classroom.
The General Capabilities include critical thinking, creativity, personal and social skills, and a strong sense of ethics—things that are just as important as academic achievements. These skills will empower students to confidently participate in the workforce, contribute to society, and adapt to the ever-evolving demands of the future.
To make these capabilities clearer and more relatable to students, I created a poster that outlines the seven key areas of focus. The goal is to spark a conversation about why we’re learning these skills and how we can explore them in Design and Technology.
If you want to dive deeper into these essential capabilities and use them as a guide for planning and student learning, you can download the poster I made for my room below and start reflecting on how you can apply them.
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