The Sustainability cross-curriculum priority is based on 4 sets of organising ideas: Interrelationship of systems, Worldviews, Responsible design and Futures thinking.

Interrelationship of systems

These organising ideas address the interdependence of Earth’s systems (the lithosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere) and the economic, social, environmental and cultural systems that significantly impact Earth’s ecological integrity.

Worldviews

These organising ideas address the role of worldviews (combinations of attitudes, values and beliefs) that shape individual and community ideas about how the world works and our role in achieving sustainability. Worldviews consider ideas of relationships between people from all cultures, life stages and socioeconomic positions, and values of human and non-human entities.

Responsible design

Responsible design addresses the role of equity, innovation and creativity in sustainably designed solutions that prioritise notions such as the circular economy, including products, environments, services and waste management. These organising ideas aim to consider design thinking, land custodianship, and how to reduce negative or destructive impacts. Through these organising ideas, students investigate, develop and evaluate the restoration of the health and/or diversity of economic, social, environmental and cultural systems.

Futures thinking

Through Futures thinking, students engage in critically creative and speculative thinking that seeks many solutions and acknowledges diversity and uncertainty. Futures thinking uses forecasting and backcasting to empower young people and communities to design action that will lead to an equitable, sustainable, inclusive and just future.