Topic 3

General Capabilities

A set of skills identified in the Australian Curriculum that includes literacy, expected to be taught across all learning areas.

Literacy

The ability to read, write, and communicate effectively, recognized as a responsibility of all teachers according to the Australian Curriculum.

Subject-specific literacy

The unique literacy demands and skills required to engage with the content of a specific learning area.

Multimodal texts

Texts that use a combination of print, visuals, sound, space, and movement to convey meaning.

Passive voice

A grammatical structure where the object of an action becomes the subject of a sentence, often used in scientific writing to maintain an objective stance.

Complex sentences

Sentences that contain one independent clause and at least one dependent clause, often used in academic writing to convey detailed information.

Contextual understanding

The ability to interpret and apply knowledge and skills according to the specific context or discipline being studied.

Distinctive literacy demands

Specific literacy skills and knowledge required in different learning areas which vary from everyday language use.

Science communication

The specialized vocabulary, formats, and styles used by scientists to convey research findings.

Curriculum integration

The practice of connecting learning across different subjects, ensuring that literacy is taught within the content of all learning areas.