Curriculum, Culture, and Community

The School Library and the General Capabilities of the Australian Curriculum

Abstract

This paper will explore the ways one school library can be positioned to effectively support and extend the general capabilities section of the new Australian Curriculum. In particular, the general capabilities of: Literacy, ICT, Critical and creative thinking, Personal and social capability, Ethical behaviour and Intercultural understanding. These general capabilities are overarching and are intended to feature in all areas of learning across the Australian curriculum. In considering how a school library can work with each of these capabilities, this paper will explore concrete programs, activities and approaches that support and extend the various capabilities. This paper will also recognise aspects of the school library’s role in community and culture that, though important, are often overlooked. This role is an important one for school libraries now and into the future as we rework our role in light of changing technologies and documents such as Australia’s new curriculum.