APST 1.4

Engaging with Diverse Learners

Dion Kingi EDC1002, Section 1, Section 2 27 July, 202529 July, 202521st Century Learners, 8 Ways, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures, Aboriginal pedagogical framework, ACARA, APST 1.3, APST 1.4, APST 2.4, APST 3.5, APST 6.2, APST 7.4, CCP's, Citizenship, Collaboration, Communication, Country, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Cross-Curriculum Priorities, Diverse Learners, EDC1002, EDC1002 Topic 3, Engaged, GC's, General Capabilities, Growth Mindset, Integrated Curriculum, Pedagogy, Reflection, Yarning 0 Comment

Culturally Responsive Pedagogies for First Nations Learners

🖋️ Learning Through Reflection

In today’s classrooms, cultural responsiveness is not optional but is essential. First Nations students bring rich cultural traditions, languages and deep connections to Country. However, these strengths are often undervalued or misunderstood in mainstream schooling. Reflecting on Topic 3 and the Australian Curriculum’s cross-curriculum priority on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures, I now see that embedding these perspectives is not just about content, but about rethinking pedagogy, relationships and worldview (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority [ACARA], 2025a).

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures Cross Curriculum Priorities graphic (ACARA, 2025b)

General Capabilities and Cross Curriculum Priorities

Dion Kingi EDC1002, Section 1, Section 2, Section 5, Section 6 27 July, 202529 July, 202521st Century Learners, APST 1.3, APST 1.4, APST 2.4, APST 3.5, APST 6.2, APST 7.4, CCP's, Citizenship, Cross-Curriculum Priorities, EDC1002, EDC1002 Topic 1, Engaged, GC's, General Capabilities, Pedagogy, Reflection 0 Comment

Reflection on GCs and CCPs in My Schooling

Reflecting on my own schooling experience, It became obvious how little focus there was on what we now understand as General Capabilities (GCs) and Cross-Curriculum Priorities (CCPs).

Learning was mostly content-heavy and teacher-led, with minimal connection to culture, identity or global citizenship.
To emphasise this, in my home country of New Zealand with the indigenous language being Maori, the only language subject available while I was at High School was French!

Revisiting this now, through the lens of a future-focused educator, highlights the importance of shifting from that traditional model to one where learners are active, empowered and engaged citizens.

General Capabilities Infographic highlighting Critical thinking, Intercvultural understanding and Ethical Understanding

Through this topic’s activities, I gained a deeper understanding of the intention behind GCs and CCPs.

They are not additional tasks or optional content but are foundational.

As Henderson (2020) notes, when taught authentically, these priorities help students make sense of the world and become change agents within it.

Graphic created by Dion Kingi. Logos from ACARA (2025)