Much to parents disbelief, kids do not have it easy in school. Long gone are the days when mastering the knowledge and skills associated with a given subject is enough to meet success. Today, schools across Canada are using cross-curricular competencies as the measure for what makes a successful student, and moreover, citizen.
What are cross-curricular competencies?
“A cross-curricular competency is an interrelated set of attitudes, skills and knowledge that are drawn upon and applied to a particular context for successful learning and living”(ERLC and ARPDC). The BC Ministry of Education explains that Cross-Curricular Competencies lead to the development of the whole child—intellectually, personally, and socially”.
Canadian departments and ministries of education understand that schools must do more to prepare students for life beyond the classroom. Students must be able to look at things critically, make connections to broad areas of learning and experience, identify and solve complex problems, utilize multiple literacies and intelligences, create opportunities, and innovate or create. Students must also be able to communicate effectively and demonstrate global and cultural understanding as a means to contribute to their communities, and the larger society.
In British Columbia, three Core Competencies have been identified. These Core Competencies are Communication, Thinking, Personal and Social.
The communication competency:
highlights a set of abilities students must use to exchange information, experiences, and ideas.
The thinking competency:
highlights the ability to generate new ideas and to create new solutions. The thinking competency involves both creative and critical thinking and the ability to observe and evaluate personal ideas and the ideas of others.
The personal and social competency:
highlights the ability to be self aware, self responsible and to contribute positively to the wider community.
It is without a doubt that cultivating Cross-Curricular Competencies is the key not only to academic success, but to success in relationships, careers, and ultimately, life.
If you would like to find out how Little Mountain Learning Academy programs uniquely support children to advance their cross curricular competencies, consider scheduling an appointment with our Academic Director.
Call us at (604) 221-2363 to book an appointment.
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