Learning Continuum of Ethical Understanding (Version 8.4)

This element involves students reasoning when making decisions and acting ethically.

Students consider the consequences of and reflect on ethical action. They analyse the reasoning behind stances when making ethical decisions and evaluate the intended and unintended consequences of actions in an increasing range of scenarios. Students articulate understandings of a range of ethical responses in social contexts. In developing and acting with ethical understanding, students:

  • reason and make ethical decisions
  • consider consequences
  • reflect on ethical action.

Level 3

Typically by the end of Year 4, students:

Reason and make ethical decisions

explain reasons for acting in certain ways, including the conflict between self-respect and self-interest in reaching decisions

Consider consequences

examine the links between emotions, dispositions and intended and unintended consequences of their actions on others

Reflect on ethical action

consider whether having a conscience leads to ways of acting ethically in different scenarios